Texting In 1984

The English language consists of an abundance of words. However, through the reduction of words, confusion is bound to occur in communication. Text messaging, a popular form of communicating with others, simplifies and changes many common words. Utilizing unique words and acronyms, texting appears to be its own language. One must have a knowledge of the texting vocabulary in order to have a complete comprehension of what is being communicated to them. When vocabulary is minimized, the ability to express and elaborate ideas are weakened. In Orwell’s novel, 1984, the language “Newspeak” can be compared to text messages as they both destroy words, reduce thoughts, and limit expression, thereby causing a loss in meaning.
Orwell created a language
Syme claims that ‘“[t]he whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought”’ (55). Thoughts are diminished as there are fewer words to supply people with the ability of complex thinking. Newspeak combines words in order to simplify the language. Text messages are similar as people often use improper words and slang to communicate. When thinking about the Ministries, Winston reveals that “[t]heir [the Ministries] names, in Newspeak: Minitrue, Minipax, Miniluv, and Miniplenty” (6). Without the knowledge that these were the names of the Ministries in Newspeak, confusion can occur. Furthermore, Syme declares that ‘“there will be no thought, as we [Syme and Winston] understand it now. Orthodoxy means not thinking–not needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness”’ (56). Syme’s statement refers to how Newspeak will evolve to a point where thinking will not be necessary. Thoughts will be reduced to a point where no one will think, they will just accept what is being told without question. Both Newspeak and text messages allow society to communicate with each other by means of quick and simple thoughts. As a result, meaning will be lost and the ability of in-depth expression will no longer be
Since the language is simplified, many descriptive words are considered unnecessary and are ultimately removed. Syme informs Winston that, ‘“if you [Winston] want a stronger version of “good”, [...] “plusgood” covers the meaning; or “doubleplusgood” if you want something stronger still”’ (54). In the language Newspeak, many adjectives are no longer part of the vocabulary. Without a range of words, expressing how one feels can be challenging. Syme reveals that ‘“[i]n the end the whole notion of goodness and badness will be covered by only six words–in reality, only one word”’ (54). Similarly, there is a lack of expression through text messaging. Meanings can be misunderstood due to the inability of showing emotion through text messages. Some people may have difficulty in distinguishing between sarcasm and sincerity. Syme concludes that through Newspeak, ‘“Every concept that can ever be needed will be expressed by exactly one word, with its meaning rigidly defined and all its subsidiary meanings rubbed out and forgotten”’ (55). Communicating with others will be limited because there will no longer be a large selection of words for society to