How Language Influences Public Opinion and Identity

Language serves as a means of communication with others, but it also contributes to the way individuals view the world. When language is used in daily life or within a media context, it shapes not only people's opinions, but their beliefs about what is right and wrong as well.

By examining the power of language in creating social norms, an individual can gain insight as to how it affects their views on authority and their individual identity.

Language as a means of framing and persuasion

The way language is used has an impact on how the public perceives various issues (i.e. events, opinions about individuals, etc.). The specific way language is presented, in the form of word choice, metaphor and so on, may also influence how we understand or see that particular situation or issue. For example, in both media and political discussions, the use of emotionally charged or selective wording may be intended to influence the way audience views and interprets information about the topic. Additionally, the way language is framed will influence what we believe about the topic. This, it is used to influence us subconsciously.

How media and it's language impacts public opinions

Headlines and storylines of news and media as well as repeating the same phrase repeatedly is how media creates people's perspectives about the value and importance of anything. This also includes the narratives what are considered acceptable. Language has a major influence on the bias present in the way stories are told, whether they contain any deliberate errors of fact or not. Media uses these same language patterns throughout time to establish common perceptions in society by using these consistent patterns as a tool to reinforce certain predominant opinions in society.

The role of language in shaping identity

Language shapes one's identity and influences who people are and how they perceive themselves, as well as how others view them. Accents, dialects, vocabulary, etc., are often used to signify where you belong culturally, regionally and socially. Language can unite communities and help preserve their traditions and collectively share the values of their cultures. While at the same time language can negatively impact some groups by promoting stereotypes and exclusion. Individuals will continue to develop and construct their identity via their interactions with individuals and groups through language in the home, at school (as a student or teacher), workplace and in the general public environment. Our language say about our culture and identity and we can learn even more by interacting with people speaking different languages across the globe.

Authority, power, and control of language

Those who have control over dominant language systems also have the ability to influence or create much of the public narrative and perceptions. Various governments, institutions and media organisations are able to dictate what voices are heard and which ones are not heard. The terminology and language of official policy legitimates certain ideologies while not legitimating others. The way in which language operates as a form of power demonstrates that it plays a significant role in shaping people's perception of the world around them.

Conclusion

Language does not just allow people to communicate. It shapes how people view their societies, and the way they think about themselves and their surroundings. It is because it helps to shape both opinion and identity and therefore, language is known to be one of the strongest forces in society. Understanding the power and influence of language helps an individual to think more critically and engage more purposefully with the words, stories, and realities they create through language.