Personal Information
Name : Makwana Bhargav
Roll No : 01
Batch: M.A Sem 2 (2024-2026)
Enrollment Number : 5108240018
Email : bhargavmakvana221@gmail.com
Assignment Details
Topic : Importance & Role of Language
Paper & subject Code : 22400 Paper 107: The Twentieth Century Literature
Words : 1752
Date of Submission : 17 April 2025
Table of contents
Introduction
Introduction
George Orwell: Basic Information
Early Life and Education
Literary Career and Major Works
Political Views and Influences
Importance & Role of Language
The Use of Language in 1984
Newspeak: The Language of Oppression
Doublethink: The Manipulation of Reality
The Role of Propaganda
Act of Typing
Original Dialogues from the Novel
Comparison with Orwell’s Other Works
Animal Farm: Satire and Allegory
Homage to Catalonia: Political Commitment
Down and Out in Paris and London: Social Realism
Conclusion
References
Importance & Role of Language in 1984
Abstract
This assignment examines the crucial role of language in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, highlighting how it functions as a tool of both oppression and resistance. Orwell presents a totalitarian regime where the manipulation of language serves as a primary method of control. Through the invention of Newspeak, the ideology of Doublethink, and the pervasive use of propaganda, the Party seeks to restrict thought, alter reality, and erase the past. Central to the analysis is the concept that language shapes perception, as reflected in Wittgenstein’s notion that “the limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” The act of typing, represented by Winston’s secret diary, emerges as a symbolic gesture of reclaiming truth and individuality in a society dominated by enforced uniformity. The assignment also draws parallels with Orwell’s other works, such as Animal Farm, Homage to Catalonia, and Down and Out in Paris and London, to underscore Orwell’s enduring concern with political language and power. Ultimately, 1984 is not only a critique of totalitarianism but also a powerful reminder of the essential relationship between language, freedom, and human thought.
1. Introduction
George Orwell’s 1984 is a seminal work of dystopian literature that explores the dangers of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of language. Published in 1949, the novel presents a chilling vision of a future society where the Party, led by the omnipresent Big Brother, controls every aspect of life, including thought and language. Language, in particular, plays a central role in the novel, serving as a tool for oppression and control, as Language does not only shape thought & reality but it also provides Ultimate Power to those who are in Authority and who knows how to use it to shape people's opinions . Importance of language can be understood by Wittgenstein who contended that “the limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”
2. George Orwell: Basic Information
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Early Life and Education
George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, India, was the son of a British colonial official. He moved to England with his mother and siblings at a young age and was educated at prestigious schools, including Eton College. Orwell’s experiences at Eton, where he was exposed to socialist ideas, shaped his political views and literary career.
Literary Career and Major Works
Orwell’s literary career began with his experiences as a colonial police officer in Burma, which inspired his first novel, Burmese Days (1934). He later lived in poverty in Paris and London, an experience that informed his semi-autobiographical work Down and Out in Paris and London (1933). Orwell’s most famous works include Animal Farm (1945), a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution, and 1984 (1949), a dystopian novel that critiques totalitarianism.
Political Views and Influences
Orwell was a committed socialist and anti-fascist, but he was also critical of the authoritarian tendencies within the socialist movement. Animal Farm and 1984, Orwell is one of the greatest anti-communist and anti-totalitarian writers of the 20th century.
Stanford English Professor Alex Woloch during his Writing Finds out that Orwell’s 1946 essay “Why I Write” reflects his primary political orientation. In it, Orwell famously stated: “Every line of serious work I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic socialism, as I understand it.”
3. Importance & Role of Language
One of the central arguments in George Orwell’s 1984 is that language plays a fundamental role in shaping human thought. Orwell suggests that if language were to be centrally controlled by a political authority, it could be manipulated to such an extent that it would limit not only what individuals can express, but also what they are able to think. By systematically reducing and redefining vocabulary—as seen in the creation of Newspeak.
In 1984, language was not merely a means of communication but a powerful tool for controlling and manipulating reality. The Party’s creation of Newspeak, a simplified and restricted language, exemplifies its efforts to limit freedom of thought and eliminate dissent.
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Orwell’s exploration of language in 1984 highlights its dual role as both a weapon of oppression and a potential instrument of resistance. By controlling language, the Party seeks to control thought, ensuring its absolute power over society. However, the protagonist, Winston Smith, attempts to resist this control by reclaiming language through his diary and his relationship with Julia.
4. The Use of Language in 1984
Newspeak is the official language of Oceania, designed to replace Oldspeak (Standard English) and eliminate the possibility of rebellious thoughts. The vocabulary of Newspeak is continually reduced, with words being removed or redefined to narrow the range of thought. For example, the word "free" no longer means "politically free" but only "free from" (e.g., "The dog is free from lice").
The ultimate goal of Newspeak is to make thoughtcrime impossible by eliminating the words needed to express rebellious ideas. As Syme, a Party linguist, explains:
"Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible because there will be no words in which to express it."
In the appendix to Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell explains that Newspeak often uses shortened words, or abbreviations. He points out that even in the early 1900s, political language was already using this style, especially in totalitarian countries. Some examples he gives are “Nazi,” “Gestapo,” “Komintern,” “Inprecorr,” and “Agitprop.” Orwell says that from a totalitarian point of view, abbreviations are useful because they limit and change the meaning of words. This way, people don’t think too deeply or emotionally about what the words really stand for.
Doublethink: The Manipulation of Reality
Doublethink is the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously and accept both as true. This concept is closely tied to the Party’s manipulation of language and reality. For example, the Party’s slogans—"War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength"—embody the principles of Doublethink, forcing citizens to accept absurd contradictions as truth.
The Role of Propaganda
The Party uses language as a tool of propaganda to maintain its power and control. The telescreens, newspapers, and posters constantly broadcast messages that reinforce the Party’s ideology and suppress dissent. The rewriting of historical records, a task performed by Winston at the Ministry of Truth, ensures that the Party’s version of reality is the only one that exists.
5. Act of Typing
The act of typing in 1984 symbolizes Winston’s attempt to reclaim language and assert his individuality. Winston’s diary, which he begins writing in secret, represents a form of resistance against the Party’s control over language and thought. By recording his thoughts and memories, Winston seeks to preserve the truth and maintain a connection to the past.
However, the act of typing is also fraught with danger. Winston knows that if he is caught, he will be severely punished for thoughtcrime. Despite this risk, he continues to write, demonstrating the power of language as a tool for self-expression and resistance.
6. Original Dialogues from the Novel
Dialogue 1: Winston and Syme on Newspeak
Syme: "Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible because there will be no words in which to express it."
Winston: "But the whole literature of the past will have been destroyed. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Byron—they’ll exist only in Newspeak versions, not merely changed into something different, but actually changed into something contradictory of what they used to be."
This dialogue highlights the destructive power of Newspeak and its implications for culture and history.
Dialogue 2: Winston and O’Brien on Reality
O’Brien: "Reality is not external. Reality exists in the human mind, and nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes; only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal."
Winston: "But the world itself, the past—is it real?"
O’Brien: "No. The past is whatever the Party chooses to make it."
This exchange illustrates the Party’s manipulation of reality through language and its control over historical truth.
7. Comparison with Orwell’s Other Works
Animal Farm: Satire and Allegory
Animal Farm (1945) is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Like 1984, it explores themes of power, manipulation, and the corruption of ideals. However, while 1984 uses a dystopian framework, Animal Farm employs animal characters and a fable-like structure to critique totalitarianism. Both works highlight Orwell’s concern with the abuse of power and the manipulation of language.
Homage to Catalonia: Political Commitment
Homage to Catalonia (1938) is Orwell’s memoir of his experiences during the Spanish Civil War. It reflects his commitment to democratic socialism and his opposition to totalitarianism. While 1984 is a fictional exploration of these themes, Homage to Catalonia provides a firsthand account of Orwell’s political ideals and experiences.
Down and Out in Paris and London: Social Realism
Down and Out in Paris and London (1933) is a semi-autobiographical work that depicts the lives of the poor and marginalized. It reflects Orwell’s commitment to social justice and his belief in the power of literature to expose social inequalities. While 1984 focuses on the dangers of totalitarianism, Down and Out highlights the struggles of the working class and the importance of empathy and solidarity.
8. Conclusion
In 1984, George Orwell demonstrated the profound power of language to shape reality and control thought. Through the creation of Newspeak, the manipulation of Doublethink, and the use of propaganda, the Party seeks to eliminate dissent and maintain its absolute power. However, Winston’s act of typing and his attempts to preserve the truth highlight the potential of language as a tool for resistance and self-expression.
Orwell’s exploration of language in 1984 serves as a warning about the dangers of linguistic manipulation and the importance of preserving freedom of thought and expression. The novel remains a powerful and relevant critique of totalitarianism and the abuse of language in the modern world.
9. References
Chomsky, Noam. Language and Politics. Oakland: AK Press, 2004.
Dag, O. “George Orwell.” George Orwell: Why I Write, orwell.ru/library/essays/wiw/english/e_wiw#google_vignette. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
“George Orwell.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 29 Mar. 2025, www.britannica.com/biography/George-Orwell.
Huneke, Samuel. “Stanford Professor Uncovers the Roots of George Orwell’s Political Language.” StanfordReport, news.stanford.edu/stories/2016/02/orwell-alex-woloch-021516#:~:text=However%2C%20a%20key%20Cold%20War,%2C%20as%20I%20understand%20it%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%93. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
Orwell, George. 1984. London: Secker & Warburg, 1949.
Orwell, George. Animal Farm. London: Secker & Warburg, 1945.
Orwell, George. Down and Out in Paris and London. London: Victor Gollancz, 1933.
Orwell, George. Homage to Catalonia. London: Secker & Warburg, 1938.
“Orwell, George.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, https://iep.utm.edu/george-orwell/. Accessed 12 April 2025.
Škaroupka, Petr. “Language and Power in the Work of George Orwell.” ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/330113083_Language_and_Power_in_the_Work_of_George_Orwell. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.
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