Sir,
Seventy-five years back, George Orwell prophesised an England under tyranny in his renowned work, “1984”. Depicting the advent of ‘Newspeak’, a derivative of the English language characterised by its restrictive lexicon, which made rebellion impossible due to lack of words to convey it. The language was simplified to such an extent where adjectives were reduced to “good” and “ungood”.
In modern times, ‘Newspeak’ seems to have developed further, replacing all adjectives with “unbelievable” or “incredible”. Whether we speak about observing a remarkable scenery or a magnificently played game, these two words seem to dominate the conversation.
Observing changes in speech patterns was one of the first things I noticed upon interacting with the residents of California. The inherent comfort in the bustling streets of Dublin is markedly different from what older Irish individuals are used to.
Regarding efficient vehicle technology: How technically feasible are plug-in hybrids to operate and how do they affect your finances?
We have drivers watching matches on their computers, individuals consuming their cereals while getting ready for work. A declaration of disbelief now is indicative of amazement, happiness, disappointment or even shock while still implying belief.
In this epoch of lies, false news and misinformation, we seem to be losing our capacity to denote our doubt over the veracity of information. Our ability to declare a statement as false is gradually diminishing.
MICHAEL PEGUM,
Donnybrook,
Dublin.