Rhetorical Analysis Of The Word 'Illegal Aliens'

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Mathew R Pearson writes about the interchangeability of the words “illegal aliens” and “undocumented workers”. His assertion is aligned with the motion, which stipulates, that these word choices are used to refer to the same immigrant population. The use of metaphors and language choice inhibits a person to make an appropriate framework for an immigrant. Furthermore, the continued used of “wrong” language as claimed in this article, will enable a prejudice to become a recurring theme in a society. With the help of Irving J. Lee, and Martin H. Levinson a rhetorical experience can be drawn from the Pearson article. As a whole, a society must engage in new language habits which will enable a person to attempt to “truly” listen and “truly” speak …show more content…
Humans have a tendency to misunderstand messages, and the goal of general semantics as talked about in lecture is to improve the communication process; therefore enabling for healthier human relationships. In the article by Pearson, it becomes apparent that miscommunication is a prevalent factor that “illegal aliens” and “undocumented workers” face. "The terms "illegal aliens" an "undocumented workers" activate differential prejudice is due to the fact that these two terms elicit different levels of threats” . According to Lee in his book; “Let it be said that objects, situations, feelings, etc., are called so because someone wanted them to be called so.” Words are symbols; they are arranged in a particular order, and therefore given meaning. In Pearson, he allows for different methods and strategies to come into motion. Furthermore to shed light on how prejudice was reported depending on the interchangeable usage of the words “illegal aliens” VS “undocumented workers” “illegal alien” connotes a criminal, invading foreigner; “undocumented worker” connotes a hard-working person lacking official documentation” . Here we are able to come to terms with the different connotations that words give; therefore the contingency of the word usage elected, will allow for a certain image to become predominant in a persons’ framework regarding “illegal aliens” or “undocumented workers”. In Levinson and his book, the talk of general semantics allows for the portrayal of the inadequacy of language; “General Semantics also recognizes that language is inadequate to mediate many new forms of interaction and that, moreover, other kinds of media and tools also regulate the relations of individuals”. As stipulated in the earlier writing of this paper, the goal of General Semantics is to acquire greater human