Politics and the English Language: George Orwell’s view on the English language
Question: "How does George Orwell prove this claim that the English language has fallen? Explain your answer to the appropriate contexts of his essay 'Politics and the English Language'."
Answer: George Orwell has clearly stated in his famous essay "Politics and the English Language" that the English language has fallen. He believes that this decline of language is not only a matter of beauty or style, but it is deeply related to our political and social life. He also says that the fall of the language and the falling thinking of the society are inter-connected.
1. Ambiguity and negligence in language
The first argument of Orwell is that English written nowadays is not clear. The author does not say his point in a straight and clear manner. Instead, he uses complex, long and curved language. This makes the reader confused and the thoughts become weak.
For example, they give absurd and ineffective sentences used in some political articles, which have heavy words, but have no meaning.
2. Blind Use of ready words and phrases
Orwell says that today's writers do not think of freshness, but use the already prepared phrases and idioms indiscriminately. Such as: "toe the line", "no stone unturned", "Leave no doubt", etc. Such sentences reflect the lack of creativity and laziness.
They say that when the writer repeats only old phrases instead of thinking, his writing becomes mechanical and meaningless.
3. Political misuse of language
Orwell believes that the decline of language is also related to politics. He says that politicians and writers often use the language to hide the truth; show lies directly and justify injustice.
They give examples such as "defensive mechanisms" means bombing, or "liquidation of undesirable elements" means killing. These words are used to hide real cruelty.
4. Use of complex and unnecessarily useful words
Orwell explains that the authors unnecessarily use words of Latin or Greek origin. This makes the language even more artificial and clown. They call it "Pretentious Diction". The author often pretends to be knowledgeable using words like "Phenomenon", "Categorical", "Utilize".
The result of this is that the language goes away from the general public and its effect is reduced.
5. Process of Revenge - Language and Thinking
Orwell says that language and thinking affect each other. When we use a bad language, our idea also becomes weak. Similarly, when thinking is weak, we use bad language. It becomes a vicious cycle.
For example, when a writer uses a complex and vague language, he himself does not even know what he wants to say.
6. Solution for future
Orwell does not only talk about the problem, he also gives solutions. He has given six suggestions:
Do not repeat any simile (upma) that you have seen often.
Give priority to small words.
If a word can be removed, remove it.
Use active voice.
Avoid foreign, scientific or complex words.
If you find any rule foolish, break it.
By following these rules, the language can be made clean, simple and impressive again.
Conclusion
Orwell in his essay "Politics and the English Language" proves that the fall of English language is not just a style of fall, but it is associated with society, politics and the way of thinking. They warn us that if the language keeps falling like this, then our way of thinking and understanding will also become weak.
This essay of Orwell is equally relevant today because even today, language is misused in media, politics and writing. Therefore, we should be alert and use straight, clean and simple language.
"Politics and the English Language": important questions and answers
Q 1: According to George Orwell, how does language fall?
Answer: According to Orwell, language collapse occurs when people use unclear, artificial and rich words. Writers use old phrases and idioms without thinking. This decline of language also weakens the power of thinking.
Q 2: What is the main objective of 'Politics and the English Language' essay?
Answer: The main objective of this essay is to show how the English language has deteriorated and what the effect of this deteriorating language is on society and politics. Orwell also states that with clean and simple language we can improve the power of thinking.
Q 3: What does Orwell mean by “Pretentious Diction"?
Answer: "Pretentious Diction" means using such heavy words that only pretend to be knowledge or power. Such as: utilize, phenomenon, categorical etc. Orwell believes that such words make the language weak and artificial.
Q 4: What are the rules for language improvement?
Answer: Orwell has given 6 rules:
Do not use curved similes.
Use small and easy words.
Remove useless words.
Adopt active voice.
Avoid complex and foreign words.
If any rules seem foolish, then break.
Q 5: What do Orwell tells the relationship between language and thinking?
Answer: Orwell says that language and thinking affect each other. Poor language weakens the ability to think and weak thinking gives rise to bad language. It becomes a vicious cycle.
Q 6: What does Orwell say about the political use of language?
Answer: Orwell says that politicians use language to make lies true, hide injustice and confuse people. They also cover cruelty and murder with innocent words.
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