Language is the art of expression and it constitutes of a wide variety of ingredients which tend to elaborate it from different perspectives. When a language is translated, its meaning is transferred to another language. But when we tend to transfer the meaning of different contexts inherent in a single language, similes and metaphors are used to make the connection. Euphemisms are also some debased cousins of metaphors; the basic difference is that when a metaphor is used, its meaning is obscured while the euphemisms would seem one thing whereas their meaning is completely different. The linguistic status of the euphemism is doubtful which is not in the case for metaphors (Chilton 7-19). But one thing which is important for euphemisms is that once you identify and accept it as euphemism, the meaning becomes incredibly clear. In other words it can also be said that euphemism is supposed to be that lie which is actually referring to something that is true. Usually it is that secret which we make public or that criminal which is in sight but still hidden (Holder). This paper discusses some of the euphemisms used for the Internet processes that I use regularly in my social circle and also would discuss the origin of those euphemisms with a brief analysis to follow.
When we talk to our friends and family, referring to the “web” we use the term “internet”. The basic reason is that this is more euphemistic and less descriptive in nature. All the required information seems to be limited into the context of a single screen. This screen which is referred to in this case is the “browser window.” The internet is a magical world where information seems to be present but in reality there is no place where this information exists. The reality in this case is that this information only exists when it is requested. The internet language can also be said to be “dead” until and unless it is demanded; so when no one accesses it, it does not show anywhere (Crystal).
The information on the internet is not purely metaphorical because whenever it is demanded or accessed, it exists physically; or rather say that it exists as electrical impulses. All this information is present in the memory of the computer as a “computer language” which is then translated by the computer into a language that is readable by the users (Hojati --552). But there is no way to understand the actual computer language which is stored. All the complexities reached by the man still are useless to understand that computer language.
The computer language is not a language in reality rather it is only a tool for giving instructions. All these misunderstanding and task complexity leads the way to euphemisms. I “Google” all my thoughts and complexities as if it were actually a conscious entity; all this information present on the Internet has been produced by humans and it is the algorithms and other tools through which the computer organizes and then provides this information (Marcellus). The relationship between me and the information is a euphemism in reality; what I see is that it is “the Internet” which is retrieving all the information which appears on the browser window.
It is through the Internet that linguistic interactions have started taking place which was not possible through other mediums. All the other sources like the books, magazines and even the radio or newspapers tend to provide a communication that was restricted to one way. It is the Internet which seems to be communicating with the user as the computer has inbuilt programming languages (Hojati --552). From this perspective it can be said that the Internet is the liar which seems to be telling the truth all the time. Comprehending that computer or the Internet has power that exceeds human value is a lie. For example, saying that social media is responsible for all the problems in Arab uprising is half a truth; it is not the sites or the media platform which is responsible rather the people behind it. So, we tend to make a mistake regarding the Internet by substituting the object with the subject and neglecting the actual subjects completely.
There is so much on the Internet which adds to the euphemistic nature of the Internet: it actually tends to hide the actual historical nature of the Internet. The music companies are being damaged by the Netflix as I tend to download all the videos and music records online. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have reduced the notion of relations to a simple click of a link; while Email has replaced the jobs of mailmen (Marcellus). Internet is an inevitable component of our lives even though this is merely a technological evolution which has been produced and organized by people itself. But the complexity of this change has hidden all these human force behind a euphemistically notion of technology. The fact remains that Internet is a vital constituent of the creation of this modern world; but this cannot be denied that it is also a hindrance in identifying the actual prerequisite through which this world is being created.
Personally, I believe that after acknowledging all these facts related to the Internet, using this euphemism would not be the same anymore. As we tend to focus on this technological evolution euphemistically, we restrict ourselves when using it. I guess, it’s time to move beyond and at least recognize the actual us behind all these technologies. I would rather try to bring some change to my linguistic skills so as not to place the human mind behind its creation. As far as I know, Internet is a human creation and we must feel proud rather than depending on it.
Works cited
Chilton, Paul. "Metaphor, euphemism and the militarization of language." Current Research on Peace and Violence, 10. 1 (1987): 7--19. Print.
Crystal, David. Language and the Internet. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2001. Print.
Hojati, Alireza. "A Study of Euphemisms in the Context of English-speaking Media." International Journal of Linguistics, 4. 4 (2012): --552. Print.
Holder, R. W. How not to say what you mean. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print.
Marcellus, Kristina C. "Dialogue on the Internet: Language, Civic Identity, and Computer-Mediated Communication." Canadian Journal of Communication, 30. 4 (2006): Print.
