LANGUAGE IN INDIA

A Critical Analysis of the Function of Mass Media Language as
a Tool of Social Oppression

Radheshyam Jadhav, M.A., Ph.D.

Abstract

Sociolinguistics and sociology of language reflected in the newspapers explain the general approach and attitude of the media towards social and political issues, etc. Research in mass media should look beyond linguistic concerns to understand the functioning of the dominant structures.

Insensitive language content results in the stereotypical portrayal and discrimination. The print media is heavily 'elite' dominated and, accordingly, it has language preference, language loyalty, language attitudes and language choices. The language use relates to the use of words in a structured and conventional way to communicate using conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings. Communicative use of language is conversation where sender and receiver of the message are involved in the process.

The media language is affected by the graded inequality which has found new faces and forms in the new world order. The socio-religious sanctions in support of the oppressive structures and the language they speak are reflected in the media. The media speaks the language of the powerful and the dominant, and not that of the oppressed. The wider range of critical issues of the credibility and public interest along with accuracy, fairness, integrity, transparency, responsibility are at the core of the ethical debate. Imbibing of stereotypes, depiction of violence, sex, vulgarity and influencing the mass psychology in a specific direction are causes for concern. The oppressive structures use transmission and ritual conceptions of communication as per the situation demands. But mostly the ritual communication has been used in media to reinforce and glorify the oppression. Advertising is meant for selling products by using persuasive and emphatic use of language with crispy catchy and easy lines. But, in structural oppression approach, the line between the advertisements and the news is blurred. Media creates a mirage through news, advertisements and pursues conversion of readers into consumers.

Introduction

The language is use of words in a structured and conventional way to communicate using conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings. Communication with the use of language or any other means is nothing but conversation where message sender and receiver are involved in the process. In traditional newspapers, the letters to editor was the only space for the bidirectional communication. Otherwise it was one way communication directed by media to its readers. With new media providing more space for people to communicate with the messenger, the print media had to pave the way for conversation by introducing e-papers, websites, blogs, etc., to communicate. The concepts like citizen journalists have already taken roots with some of the newspapers bringing out special supplements to publish stories by readers.

The role of media has been a subject of considerable speculation in recent times. Communication scholars are divided on the role of media communication. There are some who consider communication as precondition and premise for the human development while there are others who state that media and communication are just facilitators in the development process.

The fact remains that media and communication can hardly bring radical change on the ground. Actual ground action is required for any sustainable change and media communication can facilitate the change.

The media and the language it speaks have assumed significance in today's globalised world. In a country like India, print still holds the fort in the era of new media.

This research paper tries to understand the print media language with focus on newspapers in the backdrop of the incessant oppression and exploitation. The mass media institutions have become one of the tools (sutra) in the hands of oppressors functioning within the structure of oppression and exploitation.

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