Brian Fawcetts Politics and the English Language - Book Report/Review Example

Both Fawcett and Orwell share the same opinion that the political and cultural degradation of our society can be attributed and manifested with our use of the English language. The convoluted way by which we use our language mirrors the decadence of political thought.With this, Fawcett emphasizes the role of clear political writing in democracy. He defines democracy, not as a political state, "but a social, intellectual and moral activity." With this definition, we inevitably become active participants of political discourse and democracy.

As such, Fawcett emphasizes that we should try to write in a more direct and personal ways, to get our message across and let ourselves be heard. Fawcett gives some practical and conceptual tools to improve the sordid state of political writing. He says that we should write in simple sentences, without semicolons, to give simple yet communicable meaning to each sentence. We should also try to avoid glamorizing phrases through unnecessary adjectives.Conceptually, Fawcett talks about how we should avoid "running into stampede.

" This means that we, as active listeners, should avoid listening to runabout speeches or messages by asking the questions that are not being addressed or are deliberately being obscured by techno-gibberish. Fawcett asserts that the runabout way by which political speeches are written or delivered, reflect the assertion that the speaker is hiding something, for his own interest or benefit. He describes the purpose of political speeches as follows: "to occupy a vital political moment or space without committing the originating speaker, institution or agency to action.

" This, therefore, obscures the speaker, not only from his message, but also from the real purpose of political and democratic activity, which is positive and concrete action that is directed towards change.As Fawcett further explains, political speeches "require full translation, which involves an analysis of what they both say and don't say." Therefore, we have to be more critical listeners, and we ourselves should avoid talking in the same way that the political speeches are delivered. Fawcett's practical and conceptual advice, can drive us to think and communicate more clearly, whenever political communication is needed.

Clear political writing, in turn will consequently drive politicians to speak more clearly and to be more accountable for their words and actions.