AFL2602
Assignment 1 ENGLISH Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: April 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
Connect with the tutor on
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Language is not only a means of communication, but also a powerful social tool that
reflects and shapes relationships in society. In sociolinguistics, language is
understood as closely connected to class, gender, age, ethnicity and power. The
way people speak, the words they choose, and the structures they use often reveal
deeper social hierarchies and ideologies. In media and political speeches, language
is frequently used to influence, persuade and control public opinion. Through specific
linguistic choices, powerful groups can shape how people think about social issues,
identities and events.
One of the most important ways language operates as a tool of power is through
framing. Framing refers to how information is presented in order to guide
interpretation. Media outlets, for example, can describe a protest as a “violent riot” or
as a “peaceful demonstration.” These different descriptions influence how audiences
understand the same event. According to Fairclough (1995), discourse in the media
is never neutral, but reflects institutional interests and power relations. By selecting
certain words and omitting others, the media can shape public perception and
reinforce dominant ideologies.
Political speeches also rely heavily on persuasive language strategies. Politicians
often use inclusive pronouns such as “we” and “our” to create a sense of unity and
shared identity. This technique builds solidarity between the speaker and the
audience, even when the interests of different social groups may not be the same.
Van Dijk (2006) explains that political discourse often constructs an “us versus them”
opposition, where the speaker presents their group positively while portraying
opponents negatively. This strategy strengthens in-group loyalty and justifies
particular policies or actions.
Another way language reflects power is through control of agenda and narrative.
Those who have access to media platforms have the power to decide which stories
are told and whose voices are heard. In many societies, elite groups dominate
mainstream media, which means that marginalised communities may struggle to
have their perspectives represented. Bourdieu (1991) argues that language has
symbolic power, meaning that certain ways of speaking are valued more highly than
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 ENGLISH Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: April 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
Connect with the tutor on
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
Language is not only a means of communication, but also a powerful social tool that
reflects and shapes relationships in society. In sociolinguistics, language is
understood as closely connected to class, gender, age, ethnicity and power. The
way people speak, the words they choose, and the structures they use often reveal
deeper social hierarchies and ideologies. In media and political speeches, language
is frequently used to influence, persuade and control public opinion. Through specific
linguistic choices, powerful groups can shape how people think about social issues,
identities and events.
One of the most important ways language operates as a tool of power is through
framing. Framing refers to how information is presented in order to guide
interpretation. Media outlets, for example, can describe a protest as a “violent riot” or
as a “peaceful demonstration.” These different descriptions influence how audiences
understand the same event. According to Fairclough (1995), discourse in the media
is never neutral, but reflects institutional interests and power relations. By selecting
certain words and omitting others, the media can shape public perception and
reinforce dominant ideologies.
Political speeches also rely heavily on persuasive language strategies. Politicians
often use inclusive pronouns such as “we” and “our” to create a sense of unity and
shared identity. This technique builds solidarity between the speaker and the
audience, even when the interests of different social groups may not be the same.
Van Dijk (2006) explains that political discourse often constructs an “us versus them”
opposition, where the speaker presents their group positively while portraying
opponents negatively. This strategy strengthens in-group loyalty and justifies
particular policies or actions.
Another way language reflects power is through control of agenda and narrative.
Those who have access to media platforms have the power to decide which stories
are told and whose voices are heard. In many societies, elite groups dominate
mainstream media, which means that marginalised communities may struggle to
have their perspectives represented. Bourdieu (1991) argues that language has
symbolic power, meaning that certain ways of speaking are valued more highly than
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
