Politics and the English Language, Essay Example

In the 1946 essay Politics and the English Language, George Orwell is criticizing written English accusing writers of not expressing their true feelings in their statements. Orwell parallels the incorrect use of English with that of political degeneration claiming that bad writing habits are spread most by imitation, specifically political imitation. Orwell’s supporting argument for the political deterioration of the English language is in the example of the German, Russian and Italian languages that have deteriorated while under dictator rule . Orwell believes that political writing is abusive writing and that the political language is often vague and the true meaning of its content is often concealed using nondescript words that when used fail to provide any imagery or meaning to the audience.

Orwell concludes his essay with a solution. He believes that the debasement of the English language can be avoided and that political reformation can be achieved by using the six simple rules of writing.  In using these six steps Orwell claims that since political misrule is connected with the dissolution of the English language, we can improve our political standing by improving our language.   However, Orwell suggests that immediate change as a whole is not possible, but that change on an individual level will lead to restoring written English to its proper form.  Orwell maintains that language should be used as tool for expression and not as a mechanism to manipulate, control or prevent thought.