George Orwell’s Politics and the English language criticize contemporary English prose for its poor use of language. He specifically outlines five examples of poor contemporary writing, which includes excerpts from different essays. Orwell’s essay explains our influence on the English language and how it in turn influences us. The essay reminds us the beauty of the English language and its importance within our society.
The essay suggests that our foolish thinking is the result of poor contemporary writing. Orwell complains that many of the writings are too vague with a lack of imagery and many times, the figurative language no longer gives a connection between the images and thoughts. He has written particularly on political writing, which he insists has a lack of precision because the choice of vocabulary is not precise. This gives the writing a lack in meaning, which makes it difficult for people to understand. He brings up the idea that “the present political chaos is connected with the decay of language, and that one can probably bring about some improvement by starting at the verbal end”.
Orwell also suggested solutions to resolve the currently occurring issue. He has suggested 6 rules for writing the English language. Firstly, he suggests to “Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print”. He then suggests to “Never use a long word where a short one will do”. He says, “If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out”. He suggests to “Never use the passive where you can use the active”. He advises us to “Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent. Lastly, he says to “Break any of these rules sooner than say anything barbarous”. These guidelines were set out by George Orwell probably to assist us with valuing the English language instead of abusing it.
Orwell’s criticism reminds us about the beauty of the English language. It allows us to realize that the use of language should not be abused, for language is very precious and sacred. It is not only a form of communication but also a form of art. Without abusing the use of language we are able to create different masterpieces in the form of poetry, essays, literature and so on. The English language “is an instrument for expressing and not for concealing or preventing thought” and it also allows us to have a voice within our society. Many however, is born without the privilege to use this language, which is why language is so sacred and precious, for only a portion of us is given this valuable gift.
