The Limits of Language

"The Limits of Language" by Nicholas Lemann, he explains the way language is used today. How we changes words to hide its true meaning. Orwell says in his essay "Politics and the English language," bad language produces bad politics. Which definitly agrees with what Nicholas Lemann is trying to explain. Lemann also states that the internet is a useful tool but it's information no longer has true meaning because everybody and anyone can post things on the internet. And they can't be trusted because it can all be wrong. You must do research when using the internet to make sure the information your reading is correct. Politics and media will do anything to get more viewers and readers. "Bad language" is used while they are in the mist of doing this.

The Infotainment Freak Show

In the essay by Martin Kaplan "Welcome to the Infotainment Freak Show" the analysis is on the information media. Kaplan explains that news today is mainly about the entertainment aspect and also finding crazy and hollywood aspect stories to entertain everyday people who watch television. When I watch television every time I change the channel I always see some type of news about someone famous instead of haring about what's considered "real news". For example, rape, burglary,theft and etc. Money is definitely what makes the media show the everyday American population these things. They do this to get higher ratings and make more money. Kaplan also says that reporters no longer are doing their job of researching. They have forgotten how to research important news topic and instead they just get their stories off the internet. News used to teach the public facts and researched stories well. Because of competition they no longer care about the facts, thats why looking at multiple news channels is necessary.

Politics and the English Language

In the reading Politics and the English Language by George Orwell nothing really stood out to me. It was very difficult for me to even understand what he was trying to explain or come across. As I read it on my own I found myself looking up words in the dictionary and even after doing that I couldn't comprehend what he was trying to say. During class as we read I thought it would have helped, but it didn't. We found out the summary which he is trying to argue against, which is "Underneath this lies the half-conscious belief that language is a natural growth and not an instrument which we shape for our own purposes." Even after talking about it in class I still don't seem to understand what he is truly trying to say. The thesis is "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." Even when he says the thesis I feel like he talks around what he is trying to say. He uses big words and talks very educated which is what I thought he said not to do. He states that it's not correct to try to elongate your words and statements, but he does that exact thing. I have a feeling this book is going to take me a long time to read and I;m not going to enjoy it.