Doublespeak and Coded Language in Democratic Systems

• In Event: Valuing and Defending against Speech

Abstract

Although doublespeak and coded language are central features of political communication today – from coded protest signs to racists gifs and emojis – they have not received considerable attention in democratic theory. This paper addresses this gap by developing a complex understanding of coded language and doublespeak through an engagement with systemic theories of democracy and examples of doublespeak and coded language such as polari, eleet/leetspeak, and coded protests signs. We posit that doublespeak and coded language are context-dependent practices that can both contribute to advancing as well as impeding the ability of a democratic system to deliver on the key functions of empowered inclusion, collective will-formation, and collective decision-making. This paper presents a novel contribution by highlighting the undertheorized positive effects of doublespeak and coded language on democratic systems. While doublespeak and coded language can inhibit the attainment of democratic ideals by acting as a vehicle for exclusionary, oppressive, and harmful rhetoric, they can also advance democratic ideals by enlarging the illocutionary possibilities of democratic actors through the use of community-specific speech.

Authors

• Afsoun Afsahi, University of British Columbia

• Erik Severson, University of British Columbia