Bad Language
The English language has deteriorated into a language of dying metaphors, verbal false limbs, pretentious diction and meaningless words according to George Orwell in an essay he wrote “Politics and the English Language” (1946). Orwell writes that ready- made phrases are at the heart of the connection between politics and the decline of the English language. Using these phrases, according to Orwell, take no effort, in fact, they somehow do the thinking for the writer, and help to almost conceal a writer’s meaning even from oneself (1946).
Orwell goes on to explain how today’s political writings are bad. Political speeches do not engage the speaker’s brain, especially if it is a speech that has been repeated over and over again. The speaker usually becomes unconscious of what he/she is saying and which Orwell believes, is a sign of “political conformity” (1946).
Perhaps with the evolution and betterment of society comes the improvement of the English language, but as Orwell points out “Our civilization is decadent” and so must be our language (1946). This decline in the English language can be reversed. Modern day written English is full of bad habits, which no doubt is spread by imitation. If people are willing to try to remove these bad habits from their writing, then as Orwell believes, people can begin to think more clearly, which in turn is a first step toward “political regeneration” (1946). If people have to stop and think of what they want to write about, and then, think about what are the best words to describe these things, then and only then, can the mind cut through all of the vague, stale and “prefabricated” phrases (Orwell 1946).
Language in Orwell’s terms, is a tool for expression, and should not be used to conceal or prevent one’s thoughts (1946). As Orwell determines in his essay, present day political chaos in turn, should be recognized, as connected to the decay of language (1946). Political language is meant to deceive, making lies sound like truth he concludes, but changes can be made to stop the decay by simply starting with one’s own habits (Orwell 1946).
It seems that a lot of the things Orwell is stating in his essay are true enough, somehow using big words and phrases should be left out of everyday speech and written English, however, there are a few phrases he mentioned that most people recognize instantly, such as “epic or historic” that do have a place in our society, among others and do not come off to me as “pretentious” (Orwell 1946). I think as long as there are classes and teachers to steer us away from the kind of writing Orwell has written about, the English language can improve and not decay into the gutter, so to speak.
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteI thought you hit it right on the spot when you wrote about the fact that Orwell despised what he saw as pretentious diction and pre-canned phrases. So often we all hear people use words that they think may impress those around them but they are often used in the incorrect manner because the speaker is oblivious to the true meaning of his speech. I find this particularly relevant with the use of phrases that are ingrained into our psyche.
In the recent elections we witnessed a massive turn around in the United States Congress, the Democrats lost huge numbers and the Republicans picked up seats across the board, yet when we listened to the Republicans give their triumphant victory speeches it sounded as though they were simply restating what politicians have been saying in America since the founding of our nation. Every presidential nominee speaks about job creation, taxes, less government interference, regulation (whether it be social or economical), and the list goes on. Less and less of America’s politicians speak passionately from the heart about the issues that truly concern them, and I think Orwell witnessed similar happenings in his time.
George Orwell wrote quite articulately about the degradation of the English language and I think your insight provided some fresh keen observations into his writing.
Thanks for your post!
Erik S. Krausen