Politics and the English Language
In his essay, "Politics and the English Language," Orwell demonstrateshow the English language has declined as a result of economic and politicalreasons. By examining the nature of language, especially in the politicalarena, Orwell successfully proves how the English language has been used asa manipulative tool rather than a creative one. He explains how effect can become a cause, "reinforcing the originalcause and producing the same effect in an intensified form and so onindefinitely" (1). The bad habits that are seen in the English can bechanged if we are willing to change them. This is important for severalreasons. According to Orwell, if we rid ourselves of these bad habits, wewill think more clearly and, as a result, move toward "politicalregeneration so that the fight against bad English is not frivolous and isnot the exclusive concern of professional writers" (1). Therefore, if wecan correct the problem that exists because of the misuse of language,perhaps we can correct the problem that exists behind the words. Orwell demonstrates how contemporary writing is mainly a "gummingtogether long strips of words which have already been set in order by
He claims that our minds are invaded by "ready-made phrases"(8) that anesthetize our brains. For example, peasants that are robbed of their land and this are called"transfer of population" and bombing villages is called "pacification" (7). Orwell also demonstrates how when a bad or distasteful subject matter cancause language to "suffer" (8). Orwell illustrates how a politician cannot admit that killingone's enemy is the best way to safeguard one's life. In other words, it can be taught simply through tradition andimitation--even by those who certainly know better. People who write this way, hemaintains, generally want to convey a message--but that they are notnecessarily "interested in the detail of what they are saying" (6). He also admits that one could keep allthe rules and still write bad English but it would not be the kind that hedescribes in his essay. When we are not willing to ask these questions, we open ourselvesup to allowing other to write, and eventually, think for us. He successfully proves that, "The greatenemy of clear language is insincerity" (7). It occurs because itis easy and convenient. His argument issolid, thought provoking, and, above all, forces us to realize how we candamage society through our use of language. This is the kind of respect that we do not find in the political arena. Orwell contends that this type of writing is the "point that the specialconnection between politics and the debasement of language becomes clear"(6). In fact, Orwell states that when we watch politicians, many of usfeel as though we are not watching human being but "some kind of dummy"(7).
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