Baker on Orwell’s 1984 Revisited: Woke Vocabulary And Uncivil Discourse @msudenver

Biff Baker, Metropolitan State University of Denver, has published Orwell’s 1984 Revisited: Woke Vocabulary And Uncivil Discourse. Here is the abstract.

Semantics study how language conveys meaning and is interpreted – examining word meaning, sentence meaning, pragmatics, and meaning representation. A shared understanding of word meanings is crucial for effective communication and social cohesion. Per Orwell’s 1984, political manipulation of language can shape public opinion and advance agendas through propaganda and euphemisms. Language manipulation undermines healthy discourse, critical thinking, and trust: recognizing these tactics is crucial for independent thinking. Understanding the impact of language is crucial for conflict resolution and promoting peace; clarity, empathy, and effective communication strategies enhance understanding. There is an ideological divide between academia and businesses, with a significant skew towards woke terminology and ‘far-left’ beliefs. This “Woke Glossary” aims to bridge communication gaps and promote mutual understanding within academia and businesses. Fostering mutual understanding and effective communication should be our goals for promoting peace and cooperation, whereas woke terms reinforce division often using oppressor versus oppressed narratives.

Download the article from SSRN at the link.