Language policy involves using language to manage people, gain power, and promote interests. Politicians use vague words and euphemisms to influence voters, while countries designate official languages for social interactions. Words referring to gender, race, origin, and sexual preferences can become politically incorrect and cause emotional harm. Hate speech uses derogatory words to cause harm.
The term language policy refers to all the ways in which language can be used as leverage to manage people, gain power and promote particular interests. For example, many countries have an official language and immigrants are often expected to know that language. Language politics also shows itself in the way certain words fall out of favor and become “politically incorrect.” If a person uses these outdated words, they may be seen as bigots, or at the very least, unenlightened. Some words that refer to race, gender, origin or sexual orientation can be used to cause emotional harm to people.
Politicians have their own special language when it comes to language policy. They often use vague words and euphemisms. For example, a politician might use the phrase “the sacrifices of our ancestors” to influence voters to support a war. To calm angry tempers, he could talk about “service to our nation” in a speech about raising taxes.
Sometimes the language of politicians is not so vague. “It’s the economy, stupid,” was Bill Clinton’s rallying cry during his first run for president of the United States. James Carville, Clinton’s campaign strategist, came up with the slogan, which was intended to vilify political rivals for failing to address economic issues.
Countries designate official languages to streamline government operations, legal matters, health, safety, and other social interactions. People who do not speak the official or recognized language may be marginalized. They may find it difficult to adjust to their new home and find more difficult work, especially jobs that pay well. Courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) are offered in the United States. Surprisingly, the United States has no official language, although English is the de facto language.
Words are often a problem in language policy when it comes to referring to gender, race, origin and sexual preferences. Some of these words may become obsolete. If a person is not aware of this, they are not considered “politically correct”. Examples of this in the United States refer to women as “fleas” or Asians as “Oriental”.
The common saying, “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” should be reconsidered in the light of hate speech. Hate speech can be defined as the use of derogatory words or epithets with the aim of causing emotional turmoil or harm. Words really do have power based on the emotions and intent of the speaker.
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