Language Expert: Donald Trump's Way Of Speaking Is 'Oddly Adolescent' | The 11th Hour | MSNBC In this insightful segment from MSNBC's "The 11th Hour," linguist John McWhorter, a professor at Columbia University, discusses the distinct and unorthodox speaking style of former President Donald Trump. His analysis offers a unique perspective on how Trump's language reflects a departure from traditional presidential rhetoric, often likening it to that of an adolescent.
Key Points from the Analysis
1. Unique Speaking Style: McWhorter describes Trump as using "unadorned" language, reminiscent of early human communication—direct and lacking the embellishments typical in the speech of educated individuals. He suggests that, despite Trump's elite educational background, his speech patterns reveal a disconnection from the refinement that usually accompanies such schooling.
2. Lingering Informality: The discussion emphasizes that Trump’s speech remains casual even in formal settings. McWhorter notes that phrases like "believe me" and other tags often punctuate Trump's statements, indicating a need for reinforcement and connection with his audience, similar to informal conversational cues.
3. Narcissistic Elements: McWhorter posits that Trump's speaking style reflects a kind of narcissism, intertwined with a lack of awareness regarding the responsibilities of presidential communication. This results in a conversational tone that might be acceptable among friends but falls short when addressing serious national matters.
4. Consistency Through Time: The linguist argues that Trump’s distinctive manner of speaking is not likely to change. It signals a broader cultural trend where casual language has become more prominent, matching contemporary informal communication's evolution rather than the more formal standards expected of political leaders.
Reflecting on Contemporary Communication
McWhorter's insights raise questions about the relationship between language, personality, and leadership in modern politics. As we continue navigating an era of instantaneous fact-checking, the ways in which leaders communicate are under more scrutiny than ever, with Trump's style being a prominent example of this shift.
Community Engagement
What are your thoughts on Trump's way of communicating? Do you find it refreshing or concerning? It's interesting to consider how different speaking styles affect public perception and political discourse. Feel free to share your opinions or any similar examples of how language shapes leadership in contemporary society!
