The Language of Oppression

by Haig A. Bosmajian

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.

Genres: Linguistics, Language, Politics, Nonfiction, Sociology

164 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 1983

About the author

Haig Aram Bosmajian was an author, lecturer, and professor, who received the 1983 Orwell Award for his book The Language of Oppression (1974). Haig Bosmajian received a PhD in 1960 from Stanford University. His work has explored rhetoric and the freedom of speech.[2] Bosmajian was professor emeritus at the University of Washington, in the Speech/Communications Department, where he taught since 1965. He was married for 57 years to Hamida Bosmajian, also a published author and a professor at nearby Seattle University.

Haig and Hamida Bosmajian wrote the textbook, The Rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement (1969), which has been published as a student textbook to analyze strategies of rhetoric.

Reviews

[Devin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bosmajian presents a very compelling argument as to why words can be a powerful tool for oppression. Some of his examples are a bit antiquated, but the assertions presented still hold true in today's world. I'd love to see an updated version of this book that tackles some of the modern words and phrases used to oppress others.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff.