ENG 1100 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Long Term Ecological Research Network, Jargon, Staling
6 Apr 2018
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Orwell: politics and the english language (landmarks 329-339) Most people who bother would admit that the english language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Any struggle against the abuse of language is a sentimental archaism, like preferring candles to electric light. It is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes, but an effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensi ed form. It becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts. Modern english, especially written english, is full of bad habits which spears by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. Two common faults: staleness of imagery and lack of precision.
