Words are eliminated so people literally lack the language to think rebellious thoughts. If a word doesn’t exist, the idea becomes harde, or impossible to conceive.
Redefinition of words: Existing words are given new, often opposite meanings.
Freedom disappears as a concept. Good becomes good, plusgood, or doubleplusgood, no nuance, no critique.
Elimination of nuance and complexity:
Words that allow shades of meaning, skepticism, or analysis are removed, flattening thought.
Contradictory slogans (Doublethink):
Language is used to normalize contradiction: War is Peace Freedom is Slavery Ignorance is Strength
People are trained to accept these as true simultaneously.
Euphemism and sanitization: Brutal realities are softened with neutral or positive language, distancing people from violence and oppression.
The core idea By controlling language, the Party controls thought itself. The goal isn’t just to lie, it’s to make certain thoughts unthinkable.