1984, Orwell and the language of manipulation in a totalitarian state

George Orwell's 1984 is more than a dystopian novel. It is a sharp warning against total control over language, thoughts and truth. In a world where ‘freedom is slavery’ and ‘ignorance is strength’ become dogmas, one thing becomes clear: whoever controls language controls thought. This article shows why 1984 is still relevant today, how Newspeak and the Ministry of Truth work – and what we can learn from them.

What is 1984 by George Orwell?

1984 is a dystopian novel by George Orwell – whose real name was Eric Arthur Blair. It was published in 1949. The story is set in the year 1984, an allusion to the reversal from 1948 to 1984. The novel describes a totalitarian state in which total control reigns: over language, media, history and even thoughts.

The main character, Winston Smith, works in the Ministry of Truth. His job is to ‘correct’ the past and adapt it to the current party line. Nevertheless, he harbours doubts and hopes for change. But even a dangerous thought puts him in danger.

Why does George Orwell warn against Newspeak?

Newspeak is the politically motivated reworked language in the novel 1984. It is constantly adapted in editions published by the committee that defines Newspeak. The aim is to make critical thinking impossible. Euphemisms, diminutives and the removal of entire terms prevent complex thinking.

A comment in the party newspaper in Newspeak would read something like this: ‘Collectivism requires its members to subordinate their own needs for the common good.’ Truth is replaced by party doctrine. Political language becomes a tool of manipulation.

How does the Ministry of Truth work?

The Ministry of Truth is the heart of lies. It alters historical documents, news and records to fit the current version of the truth.

Anyone who has a different point of view is ‘vaporised’ – i.e. wiped out. Entering the Ministry of Truth a third time as a delinquent usually means death or the end of one's identity. This systematic falsification of history manipulates the collective memory.

What does ‘freedom is slavery’ mean?

This slogan comes directly from the dystopian novel 1984. In George Orwell's world, it is not a slogan, but a belief. Those who are ‘free’ make themselves vulnerable – and therefore weak. But those who live in slavery are protected by the state and are therefore ‘free’.

Manipulation twists logic. Language loses its connection to reality. This reversal is internalised through constant repetition.

How is thought control exercised in 1984?

Thought control works through language, surveillance and fear. The telescreen observes whether someone smiles or doubts. There is a telescreen in every room.

If someone makes the wrong facial expression, they are arrested by the thought police. They are then taken to the notorious Room 101. There, all inner resistance is broken. Thought control ends with love for Big Brother.

What role does Winston Smith play in the story?

In the novel, Winston Smith is a member of the Party. His work at the Ministry of Truth shows how easily history can be falsified. At the same time, he searches for truth, for freedom – for individuality.

He begins a secret relationship with Julia. In the second part of the novel, they form a kind of internal resistance. But this is exposed. Winston encounters a member of the thought police and is betrayed. His hope for change ends in total submission.

What is Newspeak?

Newspeak refers to a new language designed for totalitarianism. Its purpose is to cement the principles of English socialism (‘Engsoz’). George Orwell's description is an example of language that has been politically reworked for political purposes.

Political language becomes increasingly shorter, more vague and more manipulative through Newspeak. Critical thinking becomes impossible. Language becomes a weapon. Political rhetoric loses its diversity and is reduced to slogans.

Why is Big Brother so powerful?

Big Brother is omnipresent. ‘Big Brother is watching you’ is written on every wall. No one has ever seen him, but everyone must love him. That is the goal: love for Big Brother must arise from within.

He symbolises the totalitarian state. Fear, propaganda and surveillance consolidate his power. The character is reminiscent of real dictatorships, such as during the Spanish Civil War. Orwell may have known these mechanisms from his own experience.

What can we learn from the dystopian novel 1984?

George Orwell's novel is no exaggeration. Many terms such as ‘Newspeak’, ‘Big Brother’ and ‘Thought Police’ are now part of everyday language. The dystopian vision is reminiscent of real mechanisms of power, propaganda and manipulation.

Political language can shape, control and break people. The history of Engsoz shows how totalitarian systems exercise power through language. ‘Ignorance is strength’ becomes ideology. George Orwell's 1984 remains a warning.

What does resistance mean in a totalitarian state?

Resistance is more than action. It begins in the mind. In a world where even a thought is punishable, language becomes the first act of resistance. But without the right words – which have been removed by Newspeak – this resistance is speechless.

Winston and Julia show that love, truth and memory can be forms of protest. But in the end, even this inner resistance is finally broken. The revolution is shaped by the Party – in the name of an abstract manifesto written by its founder.

Key insights from 1984:

• Orwell shows how language leads to manipulation.

• Newspeak destroys critical thinking.

• The Ministry of Truth stands for total control.

• Big Brother exists through fear and loyalty.

• Thought control begins with euphemisms.

• The novel 1984 is a mirror of totalitarian power.

• Winston Smith's inner resistance ends in betrayal.

• Resistance needs language – otherwise it remains silent.

• Orwell warns: Freedom begins with words.

• ‘Big Brother is watching you’ remains relevant today.