Politics and the English Language - Essay Example

English, Essay Topic: Politics and the English Language Introduction: In the essay, “Politics and the English Language,” George Orwell expresses his intense urge for the correct usage of English Language and observes with regret that “The great enemy of clear language is insincerity.”(18) He makes an ardent appeal to all concerned, whether politicians, linguists and other types of intellectuals to pay heed to the rules of the game in the usage of words and phrases in English and urges them not to defend the indefensible.

Orwell advises one to be more careful in the usage of words and expresses regret about the tendency of modern prose to shy away from concreteness. The fall of English language from its pre-eminent place is described by Orwell, in his typical style. He writes, “It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts.”(5) As far as I can think, Orwell has correctly linked the decadence of his civilization with the collapse of the language.

Language is the important tool with which humankind shapes its own purposes, and if the language fails on that count, the purpose of life is going to be directionless and destination-less. The connection between language and politics is intimate. If the former declines, the latter is influenced, either for good or bad. When the thought currents of politicians are not noble, one cannot expect his language to be noble. The language will be caught in the vicious circle. Orwell explains the predicament in his inimical style.

“A man may take to drink because he feels himself to be a failure, and then fail all the more completely because he drinks.”(5) It is necessary for a politician to think correctly and that will set the process of regeneration of politics. Orwell has done well to substantiate his arguments by providing five specimens of English written badly. The present downward spiral of the knowledge of English should not be allowed to go unchallenged. The decadence must halt. So the fight to rejuvenate the language is free for all but purposeful fight in which the politicians, the professional writers and the common people are involved.

They all must have the will to enable the English language to grow and only then grow it will! Bad language is due to the vices generating in a bad mind. Works CitedOrwell, George. Politics and the English Language and Other Essays. Lulu. Com.2010