First Blog Assignment

George Orwell discusses the use of words in the English language.  He describes how people often use words unnecessarily or inappropriately in writing and speaking.  I strongly agree with Mr. Orwell.  Often time’s words are added to our vocabulary with the intention of making our words seem more influential.  Some people add words trying to sound more intelligent or more informed of the topic being discussed. 

In day to day conversations and writing, I think people are trying to present themselves in the best light possible.  Everything can be seen as a competition.  We compete for job and for recognition in the workplace.  In an effort to appear that we belong when our confidence is low, we use words that make us feel empowered when we speak. 

Another reason words are misused is because the meanings are not known.  Young people are learning words from television and song lyrics.  In that situation they don’t know what the real meaning is, they just know that someone they consider cool uses the word and they are going to repeat it. 

Orwell references an English professor defending Russian totalitarianism.  He discusses how the professor cannot be direct in supporting the killing of ones opponent.  Instead he uses words to say what he thinks while making it sound fair and reasonable to those listening.  I believe this is often done in politics.  Often times when listening to politicians, I notice that while they say all of their goals will be met they never state exactly how it will be done.  They are very good at telling the people what we want to hear, getting us excited about them and the future.  But the truth is that politics are selling a product, the product is the politician.  The best way to sell the product is by using the right words that will close the deal. 

The environment a person is in will also play a part in their vocabulary.  A persons culture has a very big effect on how they speak, write, and on what is deemed to be proper or acceptable.  Personally, I notice that I speak differently depending upon who I am with.  At work, I am professional and do my best to use proper English and speak appropriately.  With my friends, or at home, I am much more likely to use fragments or slang words.