-Politics In The English Language-
I agree with what Orwell has to say about today's use of language. I believe that language evolves naturally and that we shape language for own purpose. In Orwell's essay, he uses words that are not heard often, which proves that language evolves because we don't speak the same way as we did in 1946.
In his writing, he mentions the idea of "ready-made phrases" and "mixed metaphors". I think that these are overused and they make words lose their meaning, because when we hear or say things a number of times, it becomes natural for us, which is why it is important to be original. Using these phrases also makes us lazy because we are not thinking about the words ourselves. I think that writer should ask themselves the questions: "What am I trying to say?", "What words will express it?", "What image of idiom will make it clearer?", "Is the image fresh enough to have an effect?". If a writer does not make his/herself clear, then there was no point to the writing in the first place. I also think that these questions are important to ask yourself when writing because creating a new image helps the reader visualize your point better. If you were to use ready-made phrases then it can possibly ruin your message because it shows unoriginality which cannot be trusted by the reader.
I enjoyed the analogy that Orwell used, comparing the cause and effect of alcohol abuse to the demise of language. It was very effective because the cause becomes the effect and it turns into a never ending cycle. It shows that if we continue to misuse language, we will never be able to stop.
Although Orwell has presented a well written argument, there were times where he was guilty of using some of the "bad habits" of a writer. He uses more words than he needs to explain something. He also uses words that are complicated and long. He contradicts himself, however his point is still somewhat clear to the reader.
In his writing, he mentions the idea of "ready-made phrases" and "mixed metaphors". I think that these are overused and they make words lose their meaning, because when we hear or say things a number of times, it becomes natural for us, which is why it is important to be original. Using these phrases also makes us lazy because we are not thinking about the words ourselves. I think that writer should ask themselves the questions: "What am I trying to say?", "What words will express it?", "What image of idiom will make it clearer?", "Is the image fresh enough to have an effect?". If a writer does not make his/herself clear, then there was no point to the writing in the first place. I also think that these questions are important to ask yourself when writing because creating a new image helps the reader visualize your point better. If you were to use ready-made phrases then it can possibly ruin your message because it shows unoriginality which cannot be trusted by the reader.I enjoyed the analogy that Orwell used, comparing the cause and effect of alcohol abuse to the demise of language. It was very effective because the cause becomes the effect and it turns into a never ending cycle. It shows that if we continue to misuse language, we will never be able to stop.
Although Orwell has presented a well written argument, there were times where he was guilty of using some of the "bad habits" of a writer. He uses more words than he needs to explain something. He also uses words that are complicated and long. He contradicts himself, however his point is still somewhat clear to the reader.
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