The New Peace Linguistics and the Role of Language in Conflict

This book introduces Peace Linguistics (PL) and New Peace Linguistics (NPL), focusing on the power of language to harm or help. It includes analyses of speeches by U.S. presidents and explores the evolution of PL and NPL, highlighting their impact on conflict and peace.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2021
Publisher: Information Age Publishing

The concept of Peace Linguistics (PL) has been around for decades, but its practice has only recently gained momentum. The first credit-bearing, university-level PL course was taught at Brigham Young University-Hawaii in 2017, and since then, the field of NPL has expanded beyond its initial goals of using peaceful language and language that avoids or de-escalates conflict. The New Peace Linguistics (NPL) focuses on in-depth, systematic analyses of the spoken and written language of some of the most powerful people in the world, such as presidents of the USA, as they have the power to start wars or bring peace. This work represents a ground-breaking study of the power of language to hurt and harm or to help and give hope.

The first four chapters of the book introduce the concept of Peace Linguistics and the New Peace Linguistics, starting with the origins of PL and coming to the present day. The remaining Part Two and Part Three chapters present in-depth, systematic NPL analyses of George W. Bush, Colin L. Powell, Barack H. Obama, Donald J. Trump, and Joseph R. Biden. The concluding chapter reiterates the most important distinguishing and recurring features of NPL and looks at where the field may be headed in the future.

One of the key features of NPL is its focus on the spoken and written language of powerful individuals. These individuals have the power to shape public opinion, influence political decisions, and even start wars. By analyzing their language, NPL can help us understand how they communicate their ideas and intentions and how they can be more effective in achieving their goals.

Another important feature of NPL is its emphasis on the use of language to promote peace and understanding. Language can be a powerful tool for building bridges between different cultures and communities, and NPL seeks to identify the language patterns that can help facilitate this process. By analyzing the language of leaders who have successfully promoted peace, NPL can provide insights into the strategies that can be used to achieve similar results.

One of the challenges of NPL is the fact that language is constantly evolving. New words and phrases are being introduced all the time, and the meanings of existing words can change over time. This can make it difficult to analyze the language of powerful individuals accurately. NPL researchers must therefore be constantly updating their knowledge and skills to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Despite these challenges, NPL has the potential to make a significant impact on the world. By helping us to understand the language patterns that can promote peace and understanding, NPL can help us to build more peaceful and harmonious societies. It can also help us to identify the language patterns that can be used to promote negative outcomes, such as conflict and violence.

In conclusion, the concept of Peace Linguistics (PL) has been around for decades, but its practice has only recently gained momentum. The New Peace Linguistics (NPL) focuses on in-depth, systematic analyses of the spoken and written language of some of the most powerful people in the world, such as presidents of the USA. By analyzing their language, NPL can help us to understand how they communicate their ideas and intentions and how they can be more effective in achieving their goals. While there are challenges to NPL, it has the potential to make a significant impact on the world by helping us to build more peaceful and harmonious societies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648027307