POLITICS IS CONDUCTED THROUGH LANGUAGE

In this series of lessons we will look, first of all, at the many ways in which politicians use language, the tool of their trade, but also at what we can learn about politicians themselves from how they use language.

It is difficult to think of any political action which does not involve using language: political speeches, newspaper editorials, press conferences, cabinet meetings, and so on.

Thin : someone who is thin has very little fat on their body Charles was thin and very tall. She has been ill and is much too thin. Slim: thin in an attractive way She had a slim youthful figure. Most ballet dancers are extremely slim. Denotation and Connotation

Skinny: informal very thin in a way that is not attractive. As a kid she was always really skinny. skinny arms/legs Svelte: graceful, thin, and attractive

obstinate: determined not to change your ideas, behaviour, opinions etc, even when other people think you are being unreasonable stubborn: determined not to change your mind, even when people think you are being unreasonable firm: showing in the way that you behave or speak that you are the person in control and that you are not likely to change your answer, belief, etc. decisive: someone who is good at making decisions quickly and with confidence resolute: doing something in a very determined way because you have very strong beliefs, aims, etc. pig-headed: determined to do things the way you want and refusing to change your mind, even when there are good reasons to do so

Forms of government Regime: see handout...

Junta : a military government that has gained power by using force

Democracy : 1 a system of government in which every citizen in the country can vote to elect its government officials 2 a country that has a government which has been elected by the people of the country 3 a situation or system in which everyone is equal and has the right to vote, make decisions etc.

Dictatorship : 1 government by a ruler who has complete power 2 a country that is ruled by one person who has complete power

One-man rule: a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)