Elements of Power in Languages: An Introduction
[published in MANU, No. 5 2001 ISSN 1511-1989 UMS, by Universiti Malaysia Sabah]
This study investigates two elements that reflect power in the English language. The two elements are appropriation and representation. As both elements can be witnessed in written text, this study is a text analysis study using several important texts. To facilitate understanding of discussion, a framework of cultural continuum is used. The need to have this framework is vital since this is in part a cultural study and it helps in the overall discussion. Findings show that some societies or cultures, based on the continuum, are more ‘dominated’ than others. The characteristics of cultures based on the cultural continuum explain this domination clearly. However, prejudice should not be practised in cross-cultural communication. It is hoped that this study offers some insight into the study of language, culture and power.
Language both reflects and recreates social power and therefore provides a useful starting point for an analysis of that power. A more interactive perspective in linguistics helped to provide the tools for this type of analysis (Anderson 1988: 16)
Introduction
The Framework - Concrete vs. Abstract
Appropriation & Representation
Appropriation means taking something, which belongs to others. The second element is representation. The issue is normally "whether it is legitimate or just to describe or speak for others" (Hart in Ziff and Rao 1997: 155).
Conclusion
In conclusion, both elements of appropriation and representation are strategies used by the colonisers to dominate others. The link of both elements is this: appropriation may occur when one has the upper hand of a language; with that power, the colonisers may represent others through the chosen language. In this way, the colonisers gain absolute power, and as stated earlier, an important means to gain power is through language – language appropriation and language representation.