Section C AOS2

Question 1

Euphemism Part 1 Q

PTSD

Answer 1

Euphemisms serve as a linguistic reflection of social expectations, acting as “linguistic deodorisers” (Burridge) used to address sensitive subjects with the required cultural sensitivity. As Pinker’s “euphemistic treadmill” suggests, euphemisms are constantly fading in and out of usage as they align more closely with their underlying semantics. For Example, over a series of wars, the euphemism to describe a particularly traumatic combat condition has evolved from “shell shocked” to “battle Fatigue” to “operational exhaustion” to its current label “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” which has since been reduced to the initialism “PTSD”. Although some view this as a grotesque attempt to disguise and understate the severity of the traumatic disorder, it serves the purpose of sanitising unpleasant and socially sensitive concepts by appealing to an individual’s negative face.

Question 2

Euphemism Part 2 Q

Sentinel Events

251

Answer 2

Similarly, following the publication of an August 2023 report detailing an increase in preventable deaths due to doctors ignoring parental concerns, Health Minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, apologised to Victorian families for the increasing number of injured or dead children. In her apology, she navigated the taboo topic by employing euphemism, describing the unnecessary deaths and harm as “sentinel events”. The careful employment of this noun phrase mitigates the loaded topic of children’s deaths and injuries and prevents any potential social division that could be caused by portraying herself as indifferent or not acknowledging the serious nature of the matter. Through their ability to sanitise delicate subjects and preserve individuals’ negative face, euphemisms play a pivotal role in navigating sensitive topics and facilitating social harmony.

Question 3

Jargon Part 1 Q

Oragami and Downball

Answer 3

[segue] A double-edged sword, jargon can create inclusion, but equally increase social distance and exclude. The specialised lexis associated with a discrete activity or profession, jargon facilitates efficient, effective, economical and precise communication; it supports the communicative needs of the group and fosters group identity and solidarity. Those with a passion for origami understand that the common nouns “petal” “pleat” and “pocket” carry very precise semantics within the domain that are not shared with those outside it. Similarly, within the domain of downball, the nouns “privilege” “bomb” and the initialism “SOS” hold highly specific semantics in regards to types of serves, not only facilitating efficient and effortless communication, but allowing its users to establish a shared sense of belonging.

Question 4

Jargon Part 2 Q

WBa

288

Answer 4

However, jargon is equally capable of excluding and being perceived by outsiders as vacuously pretentious, pedantic and divorced from meaning. For some individuals, jargon is simply incomprehensible – linguist, Kate Burridge, understands that jargon “facilitates communication on one hand, but erects quite successful communication barriers on the other”. Williams Boag Architects uses the jargon of its professional domain to reflect its, expertise, knowledge and proficiency. The noun phrases ‘“fit for purposes design solutions”, “major project delivery capacity” and “passive and active design strategies” may appear ‘gibberish’ (Pinker) to the outsider. For potential clients, however, WBa’s fluency with the language of architecture and the reflection of a professional identity would be reassuring and affirming. As Stephen Fry posits “it is not exclusivity; it is precision”. A powerful mechanism for both inclusion and exclusion, jargon is a feature of language that requires careful use when negotiating social interaction

Question 5

Doublespeak Part 1

Corperate and Government

Answer 5

[segue] Language that deliberately attempts to obscure, obfuscate, or disguise constitutes doublespeak - words or phrases which intentionally reinforce social distance and project expertise, superiority and authority. A particularly malevolent variety of jargon, governmental and corporate double speak, manipulates via deliberate ambiguity, using language to “smuggle uncomfortable ideas into comfortable minds” (Burnside and Watson). From the veiled public service passive “it has been decided” (Annabel Crabb) to the sneaky noun phrases “inoperative statement” (lie), “area denial munitions” (landmines) or “personnel surplus reduction” (fired), doublespeak seeks to deicve it audience and increase social distance.

Question 6

Doublespeak Part 2

Rio Tinto

208

Answer 6

Similarly in a deft display of doublespeak and deception, Rio Tinto’s report promising to make certain commitments to climate change polices includes small print at the end of the document detailing “forward looking statements” which include verbs such as “plan” “project”, “should” and “will”. In what can only be described as a plethora of Pinker’s “bafflegab”, Rio Tinto explains that because of “unknown risks and uncertainties” it can’t be held liable to any commitments made using forward looking statements. This small print effectively nullifies the multinational’s assurances around decarbonisation. The language choices of Rio Tinto and other corporate and governmental entities are, as Harold Pinter suggests, ‘more often an instrument of concealment than revelation” serving to [topic]

Question 7

Inclusive Language Part 1

Politically Correct Langauge

Answer 7

Understanding the context, making deliberate language choices and considering the audience is critical in creating inclusion. Politically correct language is language deemed to be “a healthy expansion of moral concern” (Chomsky) and respectful, accurate and relevant. Challenging readers to avoid causing offence, people With Disabilities Australia’s “What do I say?” prefers the noun phrase “people with autism” over “autistic person. Here, person first language ensures the noun “people” is followed by the prepositional phrase with “autism” as the indirect object to distinguish the condition from the person from the condition. However, research published in the scientific journal Trends in Neuroscience reveals that neurodivergent people preferred identity first language as using the adjective “autistic” to describe the noun “person” emphasises “autism as inseparable from the person and a critical part of their identity” (Corsetti, SBS News).

Question 8

Inclusive Language Part 2

Algospeak

276

Answer 8

Similarly, teenspeak incorporating digitally mediated discourses, is an essential variety that young people use “as a code, a way of excluding others’ (McCrindle), and as a way of group solidarity. Algospeak, a subset of teenspeak is becoming increasingly common in young people’s online language as they seek to bypass content modification filters on social media platforms such as TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. For Instance, the noun phrase “sewer slide” will often be used in place of the moderately taboo noun “suicide’, the noun “accountants’ is commonly used to reference those who work in the sex/pornography industry and non-standard orthography is used in the verb “died” . As Algospeak begins to assimilate into youth language, its use serves an important identity and solidarity function, while upholding positive face needs between its users. Despite some potential to divide or exclude, employing empowering and humanising language is a powerful too for inclusion

Question 9

Discriminatory Langauge Part 1 Q

Alex Greenwich and Mark Lantham Homophobic language

Answer 9

Through deliberate language choices users are able to create a sense of exclusion and enmity toward specific social groups and individuals. In April 2023, mark Lantham, One Nation NSW leader, sent a homophobic message to Alex Greenwich, an independent, gay MP, in response to Greenwich describing Lantham’s intolerance of queer identities as disgusting. Lantham tweeted “disgusting? How does that compare to sticking your dick up a bloke’s ass?”. Through this dysphomistic fragment and interrogative, Lantham directly equates that act of homosexual intercourse with the adjective “disgusting” which hold strong negative denotations. In doing so, Lantham malignantly attempts to belittle and invalidate Greenwich’s sexual orientation in order to “reinforc[e] the subjugation of” LGBTQI people who are “already in a vulnerable position” (Clive Hamilton, The conversation).

Question 10

Discriminatory Langauge Part 2 Q

Micheal Fredrick Racist language

264

Answer 10

Similarly, language can also be used to diminish and demean multicultural identities. After Fremantle’s win against St Kilda in July last year, Micheal Fredrick, a South Sudanese AFL player for Fremantle was subjected to a raft of racially fuelled slurs and comments on social media. Within the messages sent to him, Fredrick was referred to as a “stupid black n—- sl-ve piece of sh-t”, a “starving c–n’ and a “black dog” displaying a horrifying and erroneous assumption over Fredrick due to his race that was classed as “unacceptable behaviour” (Melbourne FC). Breeching social expectations and negative face needs of both Fredrick and those who witnessed the remarks, such harmful language feeds stereotypes and promotes prejudices that are unacceptable in society. Ultimately, offensive language can be used a dangerous weapon for the destruction of minority identities.

Question 11

Swearing Part 1

Lidia Thorpe and Pauline Hanson

Answer 11

Although swearing similar to offensive language, holds significant potential to offend & hurt, it is also a powerful tool to foster camaraderie and build rapport. In the public domain, offensive language tends to be particularly jarring and divisive as demonstrated by the recent interaction between Pauline Hanson and Lidia throne. On the senate floor in June, after senator Hanson told Thorpe she was “intimidating” to other senators, Thorpe replied “F-ck off Pauline” employing the dysphemsitc imperative “f-ck off” to exemplify her distain for Hanson. Senator Thorpe’s choice of words not only undermines the social expectations of the formal setting, but would have escalated tensions between the two, hindering productive discourse. This scenario highlights the need for the use of respectful language is public contexts.

Question 12

Swearing Part 2

Freinds and fostering soldiarity

234

Answer 12

However, swearing can also play a crucial role in establishing solidarity and rapport among individuals with a closer tenor. As Burridge suggests, the more affectionate speakers feel to each other, the more abusive the language they use. For example, when greeting a friend at a bar, a speaker may employ the interrogative “what’s up c-nt?” with c-nt acting as a dysmphemtic vocative. Although this may seem offensive on the surface, within the context of a close friendship it acts as a means of strengthening rapport rather than causing harm. Ultimately, careful consideration of the context is paramount in order to uphold negative face needs and strike a balance between affection and respect.

Question 13

Intro

129

Answer 13

Language is a powerful and influential vehicle used to navigate socialinteractions. It is through language, particularly
jargon and slang that users build solidarity and unity, forging alliances and allegiances between individuals and within groups
As a means of signalling social awareness and sensitivity, language is capable of empowering others by reflecting respect and politeness through political correctness and more euphemistic choices
Despite this, deliberately dishonest language, such as doublespeak, seeks to vail unpleasant truths, and mislead.
Language is however, just as capable of wounding, discriminatory language and swearing can be used to offend, belittle and humiliate.
Both inclusive and exclusive, language can establish harmony jyst as easily as it can reinforce social distance

Question 14

conclusion

Answer 14

Language serves a variety of social functions depending on the context; possessing the ability to equally ostracise and embrace. With BP1 foucs…..,BP2……..,and BP3…….., Langauge can [words from the topic]

Question 16

SAE 1

Answer 16

In more professional, authoritative and serious circumstances, SAE characteristically brings more clarity and precision to a discourse while displaying overt prestige. In certain circumstances, language users will make deliberate choices about the language they employ. For instance, in the context of a news program aired in the public domain, and given the professional identity of the news reader, they may employ the standard, elevated adjectives “inebriated” and “intoxicated” when describing a drunk person, whereas, in a conversation between close friends, a speaker may choose to employ the non-Standard and dysphemistic adjectives “munted” or “pissed” which would reflect their closer tenor and build rapport, but for a broader audience may breach negative face needs and be confusing.

Question 17

SAE 2

Answer 17

Similarly, in a media statement released in April this year, Prime Minster Anthony Albanese acknowledged the life and passing of Galarrwuy Yunupingu. Demonstrating his deeply rooted reverence and admiration for this significant Yolgnu indigenous rights activist, Albanese employed the initial metaphoric declarative “Yunupingu walked in two worlds with authority, power and grace and he worked to make them whole - together”. The compound structure enables Albanese to effectively list the abstract nous and creates end focus on the adverb “together”, simultaneously underscoring the metaphor of “walked in two worlds” and reinforcing his relentless efforts to achieve harmony within Australia. The careful construction and crafting of this utterance exemplify both its formal, Standard nature and Albanese purposes to pay tribute to this estimated First Nations figure while upholding negative face needs. The use of SAE “reflects [the] serious subjects, elavates [the] style of discourse, and lend[s] dignity, weight and authority to [the] communication” (Pam Peters). Ultimately, SAE as demonstrated by Prime Minster Albanese or the lexical choices of news reporters upholds the expectations of the audience while ensuring mutual intelligibility.

Question 18

TS 1

Answer 18

Although within particular contexts SAE can be considered to be more appropriate, teenspeak or youth language, incorporating digitally mediated discourses, is an essential variety through which group solidarity and membership is signalled. Despite some prescriptivists holding strong negative attitudes against it, teenspeak is a valid variety that young people use “as a code, a way of excluding others’ (McCrindle), and as a way of expressing their ideas and values. Algospeak, a subset of teenspeak is becoming increasingly common in young people’s online language as they seek to bypass content modification filters on social media platforms such as TikTok, Youtube and Instagram. For Instance, the compound noun “sewer slide” will often be used in place of the moderately taboo noun “suicide’ and the noun “accountants’ is commonly used to reference those who work in the sex/pornography industry. As Algospeak begins to assimilate into youth language, its use serves an important identity and solidarity function, while upholding positive face needs between its users.

Question 19

TS 2

Answer 19

Similarly, whilst exploring the subtleties of social media language and writing conventions among young people, Marrisa Kings, Edutopia.org, examined the role of tone, grammar and register in texts and social media captions. For example, online language users will often employ the non-Standard adverb “yass” in place of “yes” to demonstrate enthusiasm and excitement, futher, the repetion of the s grapheme in the interjection “thanksssssss” is used to create a sarcastic tone, and the use of full stops in a standard way is often used to convey a passive agrressive attitude. King suggests that young writers are able to “code-switch” between the formal standard language required for some contexts, and informal, non-Standard language that allows for communication of nuanced tones and purposes. Ultimately, non-Standard conventions of social media language and teenspeak are an important “expansion of [young people’s] linguistic repertoire” (Mcwhorten) that enhances their purposes and expressesion of identity.

Question 20

Ethno

Answer 20

Just as youth language is a means through which young people express their identity, ethnocultural varieties and Aboriginal Englishes reflect the diverse accents, dialects and backgrounds of multicultural Australia. Ethnocultural Varieties of AusE differ across the subsystems depending on the influence of the language users L1. Often most evident in terms of phonology, through the addition or ellison or phonemes, and changes in stress patterns or voicing. For example, speakers of ethnic board (Horvath) Italian English may add phonemes on consonants ending lexemes in noun phrases such as “thisa girla”, insert a schwa between syllables in lexemes such as “break/ə/fast”, or voice voiceless consonants in lexemes such as the verb “lizen” opposed to “listen”. Although ethnolects may be a minority dialect of Australian English, seen by some prescriptivists as low status and improper, they are a valid marker ethnic group membership, and “a dynamic symbol of identity and culture” (Felicity Cox)

Question 21

Abe

Answer 21

Parallelly, Aboriginal Englishes are an important part of the contemporary Australian lingusitc landscape, fundamental in expressing idenitity. In a recent episode of “AWAYE” on radio national, Rudi Bremer spoke with Pedro Wonaemirri, a Tiwi artist and winner of the NATSIAA award for indigenous art. In explaining his win, many features common to AbEs are evident. Wonarmirri explained that “Dis years art in NATSIAA I pud fightin’ sticks, also ceremonial ornaments dat ol’ people use to use a long time and still do today”. In these clauses, sound change from /nj/ to /n/ is evident in the adjective “fightin’” alongside substitution of /d/ for /ð/, seen in the determiners “Dis” and “dat”. Additionally, Pedro employs the noun phrase “long time” to reflect the cultural importance of his ancestral connections to these objects demonstrating that Abe can be “a powerful vehicle for the expression of Aboriginal identity” (Diana Eades). Notably, within first nations communities, the use of SAE is often looked down upon with it being referred to as “flash language” and those who use it being seen as arrogant. Ultimately, despite the negative attitudes some associate with ethnolects and AbEs, they are essential and important in reflecting group identity and covert prestige within the communities they originate from