Introduction

About the lecture

In this module, we introduce the question that we will be answering over the course of the next few modules, focusing in particular on: (i) the concept of the ‘hook’ of a question; (ii) the particular use of language in the question – i.e. the use of the passive voice (“have been eroded”), the use of metaphor (“eroded”); and (iii) the technical vocabulary in the question – i.e. what (if anything) is the difference between “civil liberties” and “human rights”?

About the lecturer

Dr Matthew Williams is Access and Career Development Fellow at Jesus College, Oxford. His research focuses on the the language of politics, especially how the language of legislation has changed over the previous century. His recent publications include How Language Works in Politics: The Impact of Vague Legislation on Policy (2018).