Language Knowledge Issue
by Lukas Pisel and Jeremy Robison
Weasel Words Knowledge Issue
Weasel words are seemingly insignificant words that avoid taking a stance one way or the other.
An example can be found on the Dr. Scholl's website...
An advertised feature of the Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles is "Helps prevent foot pain caused by high heels."
The weasel word there is 'helps'.
An example can be found on the Dr. Scholl's website...
An advertised feature of the Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles is "Helps prevent foot pain caused by high heels."
The weasel word there is 'helps'.
Grammar
Grammar can be used in the passive voice to take responsibility away from any one party.
An example can be found in a propublica.org article about United States drone strikes: "The New America Foundation estimates between 261 and 305 civilians have been killed in Pakistan."
Through the use of passive voice, no party is specifically blamed for these strikes.
An example can be found in a propublica.org article about United States drone strikes: "The New America Foundation estimates between 261 and 305 civilians have been killed in Pakistan."
Through the use of passive voice, no party is specifically blamed for these strikes.
Emotional Language
Emotional language is the use of emotional context to make a point or to persuade.
An example is found in a peta.org article, which states that "Many dog-sledding operators shamelessly admit that, to them, dogs are little more than disposable "equipment" and are often denied adequate food, shelter, veterinary care, and even humane euthanasia."
Emotional language such as disposable equipment causes an emotional response in the reader, causing him or her to feel for the poor little dogs.
An example is found in a peta.org article, which states that "Many dog-sledding operators shamelessly admit that, to them, dogs are little more than disposable "equipment" and are often denied adequate food, shelter, veterinary care, and even humane euthanasia."
Emotional language such as disposable equipment causes an emotional response in the reader, causing him or her to feel for the poor little dogs.
Revealing and Concealing
Revealing and concealing language is often used in public venues to promote a positive image of someone.
An example of this can be found in the public statements of 2012 Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. On the issue of abortion, Romney stated "there's no legislation with regards to abortion that I'm familiar with that would become part of my agenda." One day later, he went against his previous statement by saying "I think I've said time and again that I'm a pro-life candidate and I'll be a pro-life president."
An example of this can be found in the public statements of 2012 Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. On the issue of abortion, Romney stated "there's no legislation with regards to abortion that I'm familiar with that would become part of my agenda." One day later, he went against his previous statement by saying "I think I've said time and again that I'm a pro-life candidate and I'll be a pro-life president."
This quote displays revealing and concealing language because Romney, by contradicting himself, is obviously concealing his true view on abortion in at least one of the quotes.
Reflection and Knowledge Issue
Knowledge Issue: How does the use of loaded language affect the way someone perceives the meaning of the words?
As a whole, it is clear that loaded language has a significant effect on the meaning of a particular series of words. Some types of this emotionally laden language are easy to see through, such as revealing and concealing language, but others are often much more difficult, such as weasel words- they often go unnoticed. From a knower's perspective, one must be very aware of these types of advertising and politicking traps that continually permeate 21st century life. The ability of language must never be underestimated- the pen is mightier than the sword.