Language and Thought

Why is the ruthless totalitarian regime, described in Orwell’s novel purging Oldspeak and imposing Newspeak? What assumptions are being made about the relationship between language and thought?

He is suggesting to remove all the words that are not useful to us, words that are not a necessity, words we can go without and can still manage to communicate and understand if not used. An example given was the word 'bad' substituted with 'ungood' and excellent substituted with 'plus good'. Here, the word excellent isn't necessary to get a clear understanding, and one can understand 'plus good' instead. He is implying that the less words we know in a language, the less we think. The less we know, the less we understand and the less we think.   

This taking away of 'non-useful' words is also known as censorship. However, censorship can be considered bad because it puts limits on free speech and it alters the way we think. The narrower the language diction, the narrower the mind thinks.

Knowledge claim: Mr Moussay's grandfather says that the fruits on his trees are ripening earlier and earlier in the year and that this must be due to global warming. 

Topic: Effects of Global Warming

Not a knowledge issue: How do fruits grow?

A weak knowledge issue: Does global warming affect the environment?

A medium knowledge issue: How can we be certain that global warming affects plant growth?

A strong knowledge issue:  How far is it true to say that global warming affects the normal development of nature?

Knowledge claim: Study claims that inner ear disorders are linked to hyperactivity

Topic: Inner ear disorders

Not a knowledge Issue: What causes inner ear disorders?

A weak knowledge issue: Are inner ear disorders only genetic?

A medium level knowledge issue: How do we determine what causes inner ear disorders?

A strong knowledge issue: To what extent in research can scientists go to give evidence of one cause of inner ear disorders?

Importance of Subjects

When DP students choose their subjects, they choose them according to what they have in mind for the future. Therefore, when someone asks you…which one of the subjects is most important? You can’t give them one simple, general answer since it varies depending on the person. However when it comes to me, personally, being asked the question I can give you my own opinion based on the subjects I chose.

1.       English (literature)

English is pretty much the most spoken language around the world. Wherever you go, whether it is in Europe, America, Africa or Asia…you will find English. One not knowing English could be a problem, especially in getting jobs…which is what school prepares us for. However, one may argue that Literature isn’t exactly needed in everyday life. Nevertheless, I believe that deeply understanding the language in written form is also as important.

2.       Math

Without Math, even the simplest and most needed calculations that we use in everyday life would be impossible. Knowing how to manage money, how to solve problems and how to apply it to daily life is needed. Where can we learn all of this? We learn this in our Math classes. Therefore, Math is incredibly important without any questions asked.

3.       Biology

Now, I hope to work in the Biochemistry field and one day to become an orthodontist. This requires a tremendous amount of Biology. Not only will universities not even consider me if I don’t take Biology, but also I need it to know how dental things work. So studying Biology and practicing it is helpful if not required for my goals.

4.       Chemistry

Once again, it is required in order to work in the Biochemistry field. Yet, why is it not as important as Biology? Well, in my case it isn’t. This is because dentists focus more on the Biology than the Chemistry, yet still need to have good knowledge about Chemistry.

5.       ITGS

This may not be as important, but we do need to know how technology affects global society don’t we? I think we do. I mean, we live in a time where it is nearly impossible to work without encountering some sort of technology, unless you mean to work in a completely undeveloped country. However, I don’t so I believe ITGS is helpful to know.

6.       Spanish (as a second language)

This is a beautiful language however, not important to know. It is really helpful, but as any other second language, it could go without. However universities prefer you having a second language.