Response to Politics and the English Language

George Orwell comments about how the English language has starting to morph and distort the true meaning of words. However he does not address how languages rarely remain static. Shakespearean English is vastly different from modern day language or his own writing. Perhaps writers from the 1400s would shake their heads in dismay at the state of the current language. New words and phrases are continually added to the official English language due to cultural or technical changes. For example, people now tell others to go “Google” something. Back in Orwell’s time there was no internet and no need for that concept so he would not see the need for that word. Change to language is inevitable. It is curious that such an iconic writer would criticize the process of change in terms of language.

Orwell doesn’t address that the meaning of words meaning depending upon the context. Sure, words can be deceiving if individuals do not pay careful attention. Many politicians do employ misleading phraseology but to those seek the truth rather than the glossy surface the facts can be discerned. Even own words contradict themselves. Janis words are the epitome of double meaning. For example, the word “fast” can mean move quickly (fast car) or prevent from moving (held fast).  It is up to the individual to understand the truth.

One of Orwell’s points was that English has incorporated too many foreign words that are unnecessary. There is an element of truth that some writers are grandiose to a fault and that colloquial words are more effective. However more elegant words convey a sense of professionalism and sophistication that simple words cannot. When writing a college application I am not going to say “yeah, my buds and I just chillax by the pool.” Instead I might write “basking in the sun with some of my dearest friends, I expend the majority of my interval of complacency at the community pool.” Although large words may seem unnecessary, these multi-syllable words can be used to distinguish individuals from the academic masses.