Reflections: Language can have incredible power, both positively and negatively. Words can be used to persuade, to threaten or coerce, to galvanize whole populations, to convey ideas, images, stereotypes, to bring about social transformation. Given the power language has, it is vital that we always be aware of its potential to shape--even manipulate--our thoughts.
Goals of this Chapter: My goal in this chapter is to show how language can be used to persuade us to one view or another, shape our perceptions, color our worldview, influence our we see one another. It is vital we step back and look at the way we use language--or are used by language. Acquiring the skill to watch language at work helps us in more ways than we can imagine. Not only does it develop our critical thinking skills so our own abilities are strengthened--it also helps us help others who lack the insights into the power language can hold over people. By a sense of the key uses of language, we can see the power it can wield.
Out of the Silence: The Power of Language
In this chapter, we look at the key uses of language to persuade us to one view or another.
- Words as weapons.
- Symmetrical versus asymmetrical descriptions.
- Culturally defined uses of language.
- Euphemisms, hedging, and loaded language.
- Ambiguity (linguistic fallacies).
- Concepts and definitions.
- Jargon, buzzwords, and technical terms.
- Metaphors and images.
- Exclusive language.
- The liberatory voice.
Words can act like weapons. effect of name-calling is to create a negative impression, biasing or slanting an argument in such a way that we may unfairly prejudge the case. Not all labeling of people is experienced as demeaning by the one so-named. Sometimes the labels themselves are open to a range of interpretations. There is an asymmetry when the ways of talking about or describing the targeted group (or individual) are distinctly different from the ways we talk about and describe the dominant group (or favored individual).
2. Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical Descriptions
The language of description may vary according to who or what is being described. The same trait, say height or weight, may be discussed in quite different terms according to the subject. Asymmetry in description is common. We often see differences according to gender, age, class, celebrity or renown, and race. We see asymmetry when words that function similarly mean one thing in one context and something else in a different context.
3. Culturally Defined Uses Of Language
Our society and culture shape our use of language, by setting out a system of norms. Often nouns, pronouns, and verbs are flavored with cultural meaning and significance. In some contexts, culturally defined uses of language have political ramifications. Language is a carrier of values. Words can convey or connote a set of beliefs and prejudices. Our thoughts and perceptions take place in a certain time and space.
4. Euphemisms, Hedging, and Loaded Language
A euphemism acts as a substitute for the targeted word, in order to achieve a particular end. The goal may be to defuse a situation that is controversial or it could be to slant it with a set of values. Hedging has the effect of undercutting the claim or raising doubts about it: (1) it can indicate a shift from one position to a much weaker one; or (2) it can undercut a claim or suggest a negative connotation of a phrase or claim being made. Loaded language is to be distinguished from colorful, or figurative, language. With the latter striking images (from ugly to funny to beautiful) are evoked because of the vivid use of language, but it does not function as a means of persuasion for a particular conclusion.
5. Ambiguity (Linguistic Fallacies)
When ambiguities lead to an incorrect conclusion, we are looking at fallacious reasoning. The three key linguistic fallacies are: equivocation (where there's a shift of meaning in a word or phrase leading to an incorrect conclusion), accent (where the emphasis of a word or phrase leads us to an incorrect conclusion) and amphiboly (where the sentence structure or use of grammar creates an ambiguity, leading to an incorrect conclusion
There may be any number of possible definitions for a word; but the context may more clearly reveal the intended meaning. Watch for hidden assumptions or exclusions in the way language is used. Components of a Definition: There are two parts to any definition: first, the word or phrase to define or clarify. This is called the definiendum. Then you have the explanation--words meaning the same as the word or phrase in question. This is called the definiens. Questions about syntax have to do with punctuation, grammar, word order, and sentence structure. Questions of semantics have to do with the meanings of words, what they signify. This includes both denotation and connotation: the denotation of a word is the literal meaning, whereas the connotation is what the word suggests, implies, or conjures up in our minds. Syntactical errors may seem less worrisome than semantic problems. However, grammatical or structural errors can create havoc.
7. Jargon, Buzzwords, and Technical Terms
It is wise to watch out for jargon and buzzwords. Try to articulate your understanding of the word or phrase. "I understand this term to mean..." is one way to clarify your sense of a concept. Spell out how you think the term is being used. Basically, your goal is to be clear enough so your audience can understand what's being said. Legal terms often are used quite specifically, so never assume they have an ordinary usage.
Descriptions may take colorful, dramatic turns. People often turn to metaphor when words fail them. Metaphors and images can shape an interpretation. Used well, metaphors can leave an impression that goes far beyond mere linear argumentation. Vivid, even jolting, metaphors can have a powerful effect on the audience.
The use of demeaning or vitriolic language tends to ignite and sustain prejudice. All too easily this leads to disrespectful behavior and even hate crimes. Language is part of the way prejudice gets perpetuated.
Mari J. Matsuda set out three characteristics are used to identify hate speech. These are:
- The message is that one group is racially inferior.
- The message is directed against a historically oppressed group.
- The message is persecutory, hateful, and degrading.
Language can degrade, as we have seen. But language can also exalt. It is the liberatory aspect of language that moves us to organize, to effect political change, to address the ills of society, to take one small step to make our voices heard, to inject reason in the face of madness, goodness in the face of evil.