Modlin Global Analysis Newsletter
Modlin Global Analysis Newsletter
Killing a Word: Some Thoughts on Language
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Killing a Word: Some Thoughts on Language

Political language can have a significant impact on how we understand one another and on how we react to other countries.  I think this week is an opportunity to take time to focus on political language.  We will take an abstract view of its use and influence in our social world.  Thank you for subscribing, and if you enjoy reading this, please forward the newsletter to your friends.  ~ Kevin

One of my favorite country songwriting teams is Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, and Luke Dick.   A few years ago, they came out with a song called “Kill a Word”.  It is very clever and well written.  It explores the role language plays in our social world and argues for killing words like “hate”.  I have described it to friends as a mix of ideas with a spin on outlaw country killing.  It is interesting to think about.  The influence of language is something I go back and forth on and, to be honest, I have not resolved everything in my mind, though I enjoy thinking about it.  Nothing sparked my interest in this area more than my time at FIU, which is home to the study of language in international politics.  For example, Nicholas Onuf emphasizes the role of language in social interaction, including establishing rule and rules.  The rules are simply the laws and social norms and the rule is the power that reinforces or forms the rules.

We are distinct individuals who interact with each other in various ways and a major part of that interaction is through language.  We relate, convey important things, joke, signal, direct, accept, and a whole range of things through the language we use.  Sometimes it takes just one word.  However, we know what we say is heard by others who may, but likely may not, hear or think the same way as the person speaking.  This can lead to regular misperception and misunderstanding that can be magnified when one of the parties wants to be misunderstood.  However, suspending intent, understanding is challenging.  Take for example the meaning of the word “literal”.  Depending on the context, and sometimes the age of the speaker, it can mean something specific or general. Possibly because it is frequently used in sarcasm, the meaning of literal has evolved to mean the opposite of what it used to mean.  The point of this illustration is that language is dynamic, and the meaning of words can change in many ways.  However, contrary to what I think my Constructivist friends would like to hear, it does not change as frequently as we notice and assume. 

We see language in politics as both a medium of interaction and a way to influence other interaction.  Interestingly we pay attention to some forms of speech in different ways.  The medium of interaction in speeches and committee hearings is consequential in the formulation of policy.  We can call that the legal rule area. However, we focus considerable energy on the interaction from the way others influence and use language.  This is what we can call the norm rule area.  This involves protesting and constant bickering online. 

As a society, we focus a lot more attention on the norm rule, bickering form of language. I suspect this is because some language elicits more of an emotional response. I think this is another area where our emotions, and those who stoke them, can distract us from one form of rules. I expect that more people fall asleep while watching C-SPAN congressional hearings than seeing a debate on cable news. In fact, there are norms in both areas that have little temperament for one type of behavior in another area. Who wants to hear a committee report read to them at a political rally?

Regarding international political speech, one of the areas I am most interested in is how countries define each other and the degree of threat perception. Some of this is related to capabilities and history but there is also an important role of perception that is heard, interpreted, and shared through language. These definitions both mobilize and constrain relations among countries. For example, in pockets of the U.S., the perception of Russia distinctively shifted over the last four years, in ways that had not existed for over two decades. Will that perception of Russia significantly constrain the Biden administration in its policy choices in balancing against a rising China? I do not know the answer to that question but, perhaps with time, that perception may change. In fact, it may occur in parallel to the negotiations updating the New START Treaty. To me, this question illustrates how perceptions formed by language can be both static and dynamic.

When looking at the constant social and political interactions of language there are plenty of opportunities to be confused and frustrated. I have collected a few thoughts that may help navigate the subject. Hopefully, this can provide an opportunity to help reflect on language and its unique role in our relationships and politics.

Some general observations on language:

Language reflects individuals and groups; it also influences them

Those who speak things you agree or disagree with have about as much causal influence as others

Expect higher standards for rule makers and what they say, but be more patient with others around you

“It is not enough to show how clever we are by showing how obscure everything is." ― J.L. Austin

“Language disguises thought.”― Ludwig Wittgenstein

"Always remember that it is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood: there will always be some who misunderstand you."— Karl Popper

You can’t kill a word

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I look forward to exploring language in politics in more detail and, as situations arise, the opportunity to apply these ideas. I am enjoying the chance to share these newsletters with you in the form of the new podcasts and appreciate your continued feedback. You can reply to this email or leave your comments below.  I sincerely enjoy chatting and learning what folks think. Thank you ~ Kevin

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Modlin Global Analysis Newsletter
Modlin Global Analysis Newsletter
Welcome to Modlin Global Analysis! Every week I send a podcast and newsletter on politics, economics, or international affairs where I analyze a consequential contemporary matter through multiple lenses to add insight and avoid opinion.
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