{ Doublespeak Politics and Beyond
Language intended to distort or obscure its actual meaning. We may see euphemisms, ambiguity or generalizations. These are INTENTIONAL. Doublespeak
"Political language... is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.“- Politics and the English Language Orwell created double speak in Thanks to George Orwell
pretends to communicate but doesn't makes the bad seem good the negative seem positive the unpleasant seem unattractive…or at least tolerable avoids, shifts or denies responsibility at variance with its real or purported meaning conceals or prevents thought Why Use Doublespeak?
“Would you care to check your bags at the door for your convenience?” “I recently purchased a pr-eowned car.” Our new shirts contain, “intelligent ventilation points.” Yes, you’ve been duped!
Bank of American recently reported an increase in non-preforming assets. Allow for lies…
"I reminded [the soldiers] and their families that the war in Iraq is really about peace.“ – April 2003 George W. Bush told the nation…
"I have appointed a Secretary of Semantics--a most important post. He is to furnish me with forty to fifty dollar words. Tell me how to say yes and no in the same sentence without a contradiction. He is to tell me the combination of words that will put me against inflation in San Francisco and for it in New York. He is to show me how to keep silent--and say everything. You can very well see how he can save me an immense amount of worry.“ – December 1947 Wise Words From Truman
Semantic = Relating to meaning in language or logic. Newspeak = Ambiguous euphemistic language used chiefly in political propaganda. Doublethink = Thought marked by the acceptance of gross contradictions and falsehoods, especially when used as a technique of self-indoctrination. To Get a Bit More Specific
Can You Think of Phrases You Have Recently Heard That Qualify As Doublespeak?