Language 101: Straight Talk
Language is the most advanced ‘technology’ mankind has ever invented. The
power of language resides in its ability to convey precise meaning to others.
But, alas, some people fail miserably in their ability to talk straight.
Senator John McCain spoke last week at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club (see
the Inside Report, 8/26/99, SF Chronicle, by Robert D. Novak,
www.sfgate.com). He told the Chron staff, “certainly in the short term, or
even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade.” The next day
he assured his Republican constituents that the comment was a “mistake,” that
what he really meant was, “I have always believed in the importance of the
repeal of Roe vs. Wade, and as President I would work toward its repeal.”
Hmm. A hundred and eighty degree turn-around. Will the real meaning please
stand up?
Or how about Senator Orrin Hatch’s remark to a group of Republicans in Salt
Lake City that they should be proud of their party because “we don't have the
gays and lesbians with us.” Sen. Hatch says he resents any implication that
this comment indicates he is intolerant.
Then there’s the George W. Bush spokesman who said Bush would certainly win
the Republican nomination, barring any catastrophic announcements, “like that
Bush had fathered a child by a black woman or something....” Whoops. Turns
out they didn’t “mean” anything by that comment either.
I, for one, would like to see that language retain its meaning. It’s one of
the few technologies we have that doesn’t require special access or
equipment. But it appears that we’ll need to be vigilant to keep it in good
repair.
(Stay tuned next week for further discussions about the technology of
language: we start a series on the poetics of entrepreneurship.)
