Language use in the General Election

Listen to this abbreviated version of Gordon Brown calling the General Election and pay particular attention to the words he uses. Is there anything here that reminds you of Churchill? Any thoughts on why he finishes in the way he does?

We're not going to comment on the parties' policies or tell you how to vote but we are interested in how politicians use the English language. I had a leaflet through my door, for example, which said: Vote Yellow Get Brown (That's Vote Yellow Get Brown if the colours aren't showing up on your screen.) Which party would have used that slogan? What does it mean? How effective is it?

Now look at some of the other slogans the parties have used and think about the way they use the English Language: the Liberal Democrats; Labour; Conservatives; Plaid Cymru; the Scottish National Party. And, just by way of contrast, what on earth were the UK Independence Party thinking of when they created this poster?

A week is a long time in politics and the slogans have changed as the election has gone on: what do you make of this picture, for example? If you can, compare what you have seen here with the election material that has been coming through your letterbox. And if you have been struggling with some of the terms that have been floating around over the last few weeks, click here for a jargon buster.

Great Political Speeches

With the general election coming up, now is a good time to analyse what makes a good political speech. Listen to this speech by Barack Obama given when he was just a warmup act to John Kerry at the Democratic Party Convention in 2004. Whatever you think of Obama's politics you can still be impressed by his oratory. As you watch and listen, try to work out what it is about his choice of words, his delivery and his gestures which makes it so impressive. Here's the transcript.

Now compare this speech with one of the great speeches from an earlier pre-TV age. Families used to gather around the wireless to listen to Mr Churchill and though his style now seems dated, there is no doubting the power of his words 70 years on. Here is a partial transcript of this speech and some other great Churchill speeches.

But don't worry if you have to give a talk: a speech doesn't need to be delivered with great passion to be successful. One of the most powerful political speeches I have ever heard was Geoffrey Howe's resignation speech which effectively ended Mrs Thatcher's time as Prime Minister. It was devastating precisely because it was delivered in so under-stated a manner. If you think it's boring then ask yourself whether it's better to live in a world dominated by soundbites.

Similarly, one of the most important speeches of the 20th Century was Nehru's speech on Indian independence which was heard on millions of crackly radios across the subcontinent. It now has iconic status but it was delivered with none of the obvious passion of an Obama. It's still well worth listening to though.

Votes at 16?

With the General Election only a matter of months away, now is the time to think about whether 16 year olds should be given the vote. A surprising number of politicians, including the Prime Minister, think that they should and there are plenty of campaigners who agree with them. Click here, for example, to find out more about one active campaign group.

But what are the arguments and how strong are they? Watch this video of two 17 year olds from Northern Ireland arguing that the voting age should be lowered to 16. Then look at this selection of opinions on a BBC website. What do you think?

Meet an Endangered Language

It is important to remember that English is not the only language spoken in the UK (or in England for that matter). Unfortunately some languages, including Manx Gaelic, are under threat. To find out more you might want to look at the website of the Endangered Languages Week at SOAS. According to SOAS, half of the world's 7000 languages are under threat.

The wonder of adjectives

One of our Year 7 bloggers thinks this site is worth looking at because it explains adjectives and has a fun game and quiz. It has been produced by the University of Manchester and so is certainly worth looking at.

So you want to be a journalist?

So here's the scenario: you want to be a journalist but you don't know what to study at university. The truth is that Journalism is not the best course to do (at least as a first degree). English, History, Politics ... and many other courses are worth considering. However, if you do go for a journalism course at undergraduate or as a postgraduate you should check that it is accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists. Here's where to look.

But more important is getting your foot in the door via work placements. Click here for information about getting a placement with the BBC. 

Writing Letters

Dear Readers,

             Today we are going to cover letter writing. Or should that be...

Dear Readers

Today we are going to cover letter writing???

See what the BBC thinks by clicking here for a simple, interactive exercise. Then get some useful advice from the people behind the Oxford Dictionaries by clicking here. If you need a sample letter then click here.

Yours sincerely (or should that be faithfully ... or lots of love ... or with my warmest regards ...?)