Some research training is specifically related to the role of the Oxford Academy as a bridge between Britain and the Islamic World. All students are welcome whether or not they know the Arabic language. An attempt is made to identify subtle differences between academic English and academic Arabic. Students have often observed the rhetorical style of Arabic and the rather cold empirical style of academic English. They attempt to develop acceptable writing styles of their own which are appropriate to the language they are using.
Students also inspect successful dissertations in English and Arabic.
The Oxford Academy provides training in particular skills such as the transliteration of Arabic into English letters. This is important not only for the construction of bibliographies, but also for searching references in British libraries where Arabic works are normally catalogued in a transliterated form. We consider it vital for the instructors in research training to be involved in research themselves. We must experience what we teach. During the last academic year, for instance, I spent two and a half months near the Third Cataract of the Nile on an interdisciplinary project dealing with Nubian languages and history.