Topic: Doublespeak

10-Second Review: The NCTE campaign against “Doublespeak,” the use of language to confuse and hide meaning.

Comment: In this issue of English Journal (April 1974), (Insert), are published two National Council of Teachers of English resolutions on the issue of doublespeak. I reprint them here in hopes that a new generation of English teachers will begin to work to eliminate from public speech dishonest, purposely confusing uses of language that aim to hide, not clarify, the meanings of public words. RayS.

On Dishonest and Inhumane Uses of Language. Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English find means to study dishonest and inhumane uses of language and literature by advertisers, to bring offenses to public attention, and to propose classroom techniques for preparing children to cope with commercial propaganda.”

On the Relation of Language and Public Policy. Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English find means to study the relation of language to public policy, to keep track of, publicize and combat semantic distortion by public officials, candidates for office, political commentators and all those who transmit through the mass media.

Comment: To: Chris Matthews, CNN, et al. Someone might be watching you who watch the candidates. I think Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain should establish Offices of Response to DoubleSpeak (ORDS). RayS.

The purpose of this blog is to summarize articles on teaching English/language arts, from kindergarten through college, published in English education journals from the past.