The Politics of Language and Power in George Orwell’s 1984

Authors

  • Prof. Vinay Kumar Chaudhary

Abstract

George Orwell’s 1984 presents a haunting vision of a totalitarian regime that uses language as a primary instrument of control. This research paper examines how Orwell constructs a powerful critique of authoritarianism through the manipulation of language. By exploring the invention and imposition of Newspeak, the destruction of historical truth, and the redefinition of thought via linguistic restriction, Orwell demonstrates that language is not just a medium of communication but a political tool used to limit freedom and enforce ideological obedience. This paper analyzes the political functions of language in 1984, focusing on how linguistic control underpins the Party’s dominance. It also investigates the parallels between Orwell's fictional society and real-world regimes, emphasizing the relevance of 1984 in contemporary political discourse. Through literary analysis, linguistic theory, and historical context, the paper argues that Orwell’s novel remains a critical lens through which to view the relationship between language, thought, and power.

Keywords- George Orwell, 1984, Newspeak, Language and Power, Totalitarianism, Linguistic Control, Thoughtcrime, Political Discourse, Dystopian Fiction, Propaganda, Ideology

Additional Files

Published

31-01-2022

How to Cite

1.
Prof. Vinay Kumar Chaudhary. The Politics of Language and Power in George Orwell’s 1984. IJARMS [Internet]. 2022 Jan. 31 [cited 2025 Aug. 11];5(1):270-84. Available from: https://journal.ijarms.org/index.php/ijarms/article/view/757

Issue

Section

Articles