Free Speech Debate

Thirteen languages. Ten principles. One conversation.

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1We – all human beings – must be free and able to express ourselves, and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas, regardless of frontiers.»
2We defend the internet and all other forms of communication against illegitimate encroachments by both public and private powers.»
3We require and create open, diverse media so we can make well-informed decisions and participate fully in political life.»
4We speak openly and with civility about all kinds of human difference.»
5We allow no taboos in the discussion and dissemination of knowledge.»
6We neither make threats of violence nor accept violent intimidation.»
7We respect the believer but not necessarily the content of the belief.»
8We are all entitled to a private life but should accept such scrutiny as is in the public interest.»
9We should be able to counter slurs on our reputations without stifling legitimate debate.»
10We must be free to challenge all limits to freedom of expression and information justified on such grounds as national security, public order, morality and the protection of intellectual property.»

What’s missing?

Is there a vital area we have not addressed? A principle 11? An illuminating case study? Read other people's suggestions and add your own here. Or start the debate in your own language.
Home | Audio/Video | The sound of Free Speech Debate

The sound of Free Speech Debate

Members of our multilingual team produce a Mexican wave of sound, reciting two principles in their native tongues.

The Free Speech Debate team gathered around a microphone to attempt this “free speech Mexican wave” at our mid-year meeting. Starting with Urdu and finishing with Persian, we recited principles five and six in an overlapping round. Try to guess the other languages as you listen along.

Although we’re pretty impressed with our audio debut, we remain committed to reaching as many of you online as possible. Our international team of Oxford graduate students has translated the site into the 13 most commonly used languages on the internet. Free Speech Debate followers have also translated the 10 principles into Estonian and Polish.  If you would like to translate the 10 principles into your language, please let us know.

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Published on: August 29, 2012 | No Comments

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Free Speech Debate is a research project of the Dahrendorf Programme for the Study of Freedom at St Antony's College in the University of Oxford. www.freespeechdebate.ox.ac.uk