Today:
How is language sometimes used to confuse and manipulate?
Starter 9.27:
Lutz says, "Language is power; those who control language control the world. Power may come out of the barrel of a gun, but without the control of language there can be no real control of society." Do you see this as true? How so? What might be some real world examples of how this plays out?
Announcements
Tomorrow 1st period, we have a guest speaker in the Commons. If you are in Steve's class third period, we will be switching hours, so report to the Commons 1st and be prepared to do chemistry for an hour of my class.
Doublespeak
What is doublespeak? What is the thesis of Lutz's article?
Review each of the concepts. Then in groups, have some theatrical fun with doublespeak.
- jargon
- euphemism
- gobbledygook
- inflated language
Group 1: Use doublespeak to try to get your parents to let you go with friends to a concert in Denver with no parental supervision. (Use the jargon of "teenspeak")
Group 2: Use doublespeak to try to explain to Sean and Libby why it is necessary for you to park in the upper lot. (Use euphemism to code your language).
Group 3: Use doublespeak to try to get out of a parking ticket. (Use gobbledygook to confuse the officer.)
Group 4: Use doublespeak to try to get hired for a job. (Use inflated language to help yourself sound better.)
What are "talking points"? How can they be turned into doublespeak?
Example: Governor of Florida
What are some of the talking points we have see in this election?
Lecture: Logical Fallacies
Handout: Some Logical Fallacies