AFL2602
Assignment 1 ENGLISH Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Language is not only a means of communication but also a powerful social tool that
shapes how people think, act and understand the world. In sociolinguistics, language
is viewed as deeply connected to social structures, identities and power relations.
The way language is used in media and political speeches often reflects and
reinforces inequalities linked to class, gender, age and ethnicity. By choosing certain
words, tones and styles, powerful groups can influence public opinion, control
narratives and shape social realities.
In the media, language plays a central role in framing events and constructing
meaning. The concept of “framing” refers to how information is presented in ways
that guide audiences toward particular interpretations (Fairclough, 1995). For
example, protestors may be described as “activists” or “rioters” depending on the
political stance of the media outlet. These lexical choices are not neutral. They
shape how audiences judge the legitimacy of actions and groups. Similarly,
headlines often use emotionally loaded language to attract attention and influence
perceptions. This shows how media discourse can subtly reproduce dominant
ideologies and power structures (Van Dijk, 2001).
Language in media also reflects social hierarchies. Standard language varieties are
often treated as more legitimate or intelligent, while non-standard varieties
associated with working-class or marginalised communities are stigmatised. This
reinforces class-based inequalities and sends the message that certain ways of
speaking are superior (Wardhaugh & Fuller, 2015). In South Africa, for example,
English often holds higher prestige in formal media spaces, while African languages
may receive less coverage or be restricted to certain contexts. This linguistic
hierarchy reflects broader historical and socio-economic power relations shaped by
colonialism and apartheid.
Political speeches provide another clear example of language as a tool of power.
Politicians carefully construct their messages to persuade, unite or divide audiences.
They often use inclusive pronouns such as “we” and “our” to create a sense of
shared identity and collective responsibility. This strategy builds solidarity and
positions the speaker as part of the people (Charteris-Black, 2014). At the same
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 ENGLISH Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: March 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Language is not only a means of communication but also a powerful social tool that
shapes how people think, act and understand the world. In sociolinguistics, language
is viewed as deeply connected to social structures, identities and power relations.
The way language is used in media and political speeches often reflects and
reinforces inequalities linked to class, gender, age and ethnicity. By choosing certain
words, tones and styles, powerful groups can influence public opinion, control
narratives and shape social realities.
In the media, language plays a central role in framing events and constructing
meaning. The concept of “framing” refers to how information is presented in ways
that guide audiences toward particular interpretations (Fairclough, 1995). For
example, protestors may be described as “activists” or “rioters” depending on the
political stance of the media outlet. These lexical choices are not neutral. They
shape how audiences judge the legitimacy of actions and groups. Similarly,
headlines often use emotionally loaded language to attract attention and influence
perceptions. This shows how media discourse can subtly reproduce dominant
ideologies and power structures (Van Dijk, 2001).
Language in media also reflects social hierarchies. Standard language varieties are
often treated as more legitimate or intelligent, while non-standard varieties
associated with working-class or marginalised communities are stigmatised. This
reinforces class-based inequalities and sends the message that certain ways of
speaking are superior (Wardhaugh & Fuller, 2015). In South Africa, for example,
English often holds higher prestige in formal media spaces, while African languages
may receive less coverage or be restricted to certain contexts. This linguistic
hierarchy reflects broader historical and socio-economic power relations shaped by
colonialism and apartheid.
Political speeches provide another clear example of language as a tool of power.
Politicians carefully construct their messages to persuade, unite or divide audiences.
They often use inclusive pronouns such as “we” and “our” to create a sense of
shared identity and collective responsibility. This strategy builds solidarity and
positions the speaker as part of the people (Charteris-Black, 2014). At the same
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
