The Desecration of the English Language

In the article, “Politics and the English Language,” by George Orwell, Orwell compiles several common errors people tend to display within their writing compositions. In many cases, people are unaware of the horrible mistakes they frequently incorporate within their writing. As Orwell states in his article, the reason why many English-speakers tend to butcher their native tongue is not because they are ignorant, but because the English language, itself, “is full of bad habits which spread by imitation” (paragraph 2). In other words, Orwell is implying that people like to copy what they see and read from the works of others.

I found Orwell’s article to be a plea for all English-speakers in the world. The tone of Orwell's voice throughout the article is one of desperation. In my mind, Orwell is asking English-speakers to stop being lazy within their compositions, be aware of the words they are using, and ensure these words are being used in their correct context. Moreover, Orwell suggests to “never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print” (paragraph 28, (i)). I have heard this statement from the majority of the English professors I have had throughout my matriculation. I think this pointer Orwell provides in “Politics and the English Language” is very important because the over use of metaphors, similes, figure of speech, and clichés has the ability to convert meaningful words and phrases into insignificant verbiage.

Below, I have included some of the clichés I have been reprimanded for using within my English compositions:

Practice makes perfect

I believe the children are the future

Diving into the deep end

Running around like a chicken with my head cut off