Title: Corruption of Language in Print Media: Revisiting Orwell's Framework in the Philippine Context
Authors: Vilma C. Grengia
Volume: 9
Issue: 5
Pages: 124-128
Publication Date: 2025/05/28
Abstract:
This research utilizes George Orwell's theory of language corruption to investigate linguistic misuse in Philippine editorial and opinion pages. Based on Orwell's four types-dying metaphors, verbal false limbs, pretentious diction, and empty words-the research considers thirty articles in July 2010 in three prominent print media newspapers: The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, and The Philippine Free Press. Particular focus is given to the use of metaphor, which is seen to have a strong influence on clarity and message transmission. The research also looks at the wider implications of such language use, examining its possible link to social problems like misinformation and public disengagement. Findings are that some columnists use stylistic excesses and imprecise expression, supporting Orwell's criticism of contemporary prose. These results indicate not only that media language manipulation warps meaning, but also deeper social trends. This study has shown that some writers of editorial and opinion articles showed corrupting the English language from the lens of Orwell. These writers who load their articles with fancy and who make useless circumlocutions at the cost of leaving their message vague. The research calls for increased linguistic responsibility in public communication and makes clear the continuing relevance of Orwell's observations.