The Adaptation of Language: An Analysis of Orwell's "Politics and the English Language" Andrea Paleos 11th Grade

Language is the basis of all human communication; one could even say language is the basis of humanity itself. In the essay “Politics and the English Language”, George Orwell explains the significance of proper and effective language. He examines a less obvious aspect of language deterioration; instead of focusing on blatantly incorrect usage, he focuses on the usage of unclear language, specifically that which is written by well-educated people. Language is not by any means an insignificant or fleeting matter: according to Orwell, people should be concerned about the deterioration of the English language and, therefore, should recognize the reasons for, forms of, and effects of bad language.

A writer may use bad language due to a variety of negative causes, the most obvious reason of which is lack of education. However, critics should focus primarily on the many writers who knowingly use incorrect language, out of sheer carelessness or an aim to deceive readers. Writers who are careless often fall into the pattern of using clichès and “treating words as though they [are] unconnected to reality and therefore producing meanings that are arbitrary and internal to the language rather than engaging with the world.” (Joseph 9)...