The Language of Oppression / Edition 1

by Haig A. Bosmajian

Overview

Examines decadence in our language, especially that language which leads to dehumanization and degradation of human beings. Powerful illustrations may be found in the fact that, for instance, Hitler's "Final Solution" appeared "reasonable" once the Jews were successfully labelled by the Nazis as sub-humans, "parasites," "vermin," or "bacilli." So, too, the subjugation of the American Indian was "defensible" since they were defined as "barbarians" and "savages." The author of this engrossing text that was originally published in 1974 by Public Affairs Press successfully identifies and critically comments on the racist, sexist, and ethnic slurs still predominant in society today, with the hope that this decadence will be cured. Winner of the 1983 George Orwell Award from the Committee on Doublespeak of the NCTE.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780819131867
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/17/1983
Series:	New Edition (2nd & Subsequent)
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	164
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.41(d)

About the Author

Haig Bosmajian is Professor of Speech Communication at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Editorial Reviews

...fascinating and convincing.

Etc.

A highly readable effort...

Choice Reviews

...a profound and human book...

Journal of Pragmatics

...fascinating and convincing.

Etc.

A highly readable effort...

Choice

...fascinating and convincing.--Etc.

...a profound and human book...--Journal of Pragmatics

A highly readable effort...--CHOICE

From the Publisher

A highly readable effort...

CHOICE

...a profound and human book...

Journal Of Pragmatics