Politics in the English Language
Politics in the English Language
In his article, Politics in the English Language, novelist, George Orwell, states that the English language be manipulated in order to manipulate people. Much like the manipulation of language helps sell products in advertising, it can also help sell people (figuratively, not literally). Politicians often use the English language to their advantage to gain support and credibility.
Orwell shares that the best way to do this is to use language to keep your points vague. This allows the audience to project their own meaning to the words you are saying, making it easier for people to hear exactly what they want to hear. Using big words is one way to make your message vague. With complicated words, not only is it easy for the politician to twist the definition, it is easier for the audience to do so as well.
This same method also works with phrases that are outdated and have lost their literal meaning. For instance, I have always thought that the phrase "toe the line" was actually "tow the line" and that it meant to "just deal with it" when in reality, the phrase means to conform or submit to authority. This misconception is due, in part, to the irrelevance of the literal meaning of the term. Frankly, I have no idea what kind of line is being referred to and why you are toeing it. This allows me to project my own meaning onto the phrase. This same issue applies with many other phrases including: "dressed to the nines," "take it with a grain of salt," and "at the drop of a hat."
Another way to create this vague effect in a political message, according to Orwell, is to use words that while they may sound simplistic, have many different meanings or definitive qualities in the eyes of various individuals. Orwell provides the examples: fascism, freedom, realistic, and democratic. An example of the use of a word with no definitive definition is President Donald Trump's happy Easter/ happy Passover speech. Trump uses the word "American," "glorious," "bless," and "freedom" to his own opinion. Using this word is meant to give whatever he associates the word "American" with the same positive connotation that the word carries. In this speech, Trump proclaims, "In America, we look to the light of god to guide our steps. We trust in the power of the almighty for wisdom and strength and we praise or heavenly father for the blessing of freedom." This uses words in a specific way that implies that to be American, you must look to and praise either the Christian or Jewish singular god. This passage also implies that if you are not Christian or Jewish, you are not free.
Donald Trump does not typically use complicated words or outdated phrases. This method of communication seems perfectly in line with the ideals that Orwell presents. However, Orwell also states that good English "is not concerned with fake simplicity." Trump's speech was loaded with hidden implications and devices designed to deceive and exclude in perfect alignment with Trump's elitist beliefs. Trump is purposefully excluding people subscribed to all other religions from being American. This is presumably targeted specifically at Muslims but also includes other religions.
In politics, the English language can easily be used as a method of control due to its many vague aspects. Politicians who have learned how to use language to their advantage are often very successful.
Trump's Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrcrcrYWRn0
In his article, Politics in the English Language, novelist, George Orwell, states that the English language be manipulated in order to manipulate people. Much like the manipulation of language helps sell products in advertising, it can also help sell people (figuratively, not literally). Politicians often use the English language to their advantage to gain support and credibility.
Orwell shares that the best way to do this is to use language to keep your points vague. This allows the audience to project their own meaning to the words you are saying, making it easier for people to hear exactly what they want to hear. Using big words is one way to make your message vague. With complicated words, not only is it easy for the politician to twist the definition, it is easier for the audience to do so as well.
This same method also works with phrases that are outdated and have lost their literal meaning. For instance, I have always thought that the phrase "toe the line" was actually "tow the line" and that it meant to "just deal with it" when in reality, the phrase means to conform or submit to authority. This misconception is due, in part, to the irrelevance of the literal meaning of the term. Frankly, I have no idea what kind of line is being referred to and why you are toeing it. This allows me to project my own meaning onto the phrase. This same issue applies with many other phrases including: "dressed to the nines," "take it with a grain of salt," and "at the drop of a hat."
Another way to create this vague effect in a political message, according to Orwell, is to use words that while they may sound simplistic, have many different meanings or definitive qualities in the eyes of various individuals. Orwell provides the examples: fascism, freedom, realistic, and democratic. An example of the use of a word with no definitive definition is President Donald Trump's happy Easter/ happy Passover speech. Trump uses the word "American," "glorious," "bless," and "freedom" to his own opinion. Using this word is meant to give whatever he associates the word "American" with the same positive connotation that the word carries. In this speech, Trump proclaims, "In America, we look to the light of god to guide our steps. We trust in the power of the almighty for wisdom and strength and we praise or heavenly father for the blessing of freedom." This uses words in a specific way that implies that to be American, you must look to and praise either the Christian or Jewish singular god. This passage also implies that if you are not Christian or Jewish, you are not free.
Donald Trump does not typically use complicated words or outdated phrases. This method of communication seems perfectly in line with the ideals that Orwell presents. However, Orwell also states that good English "is not concerned with fake simplicity." Trump's speech was loaded with hidden implications and devices designed to deceive and exclude in perfect alignment with Trump's elitist beliefs. Trump is purposefully excluding people subscribed to all other religions from being American. This is presumably targeted specifically at Muslims but also includes other religions.
In politics, the English language can easily be used as a method of control due to its many vague aspects. Politicians who have learned how to use language to their advantage are often very successful.
Trump's Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrcrcrYWRn0
I really like enjoyed reading this blog. I liked the way that you used various examples from the article and related them to how people are using that style of writing. The fact that you talked about Trump doing this proves the fact that our president, someone who should be a smart person doesn’t even know how to write properly. Overall I like how deep you went into supporting your blog and feel that it was very effective.
ReplyDeleteYour use of multiple examples helped me better understand your blog. The detail you went into also made my reading experience easier. I liked reading this blog and it got to the point without using unnecessary words.
ReplyDelete