Why people avoid the word 'there' in political talk

A common word, 'there', is being avoided by people across the political spectrum. This is a sign of how language is used to avoid certain topics.
By Newsroom | Language, Politics |

A word. A common one, too. You’d think it would be simple. But this particular assemblage of letters – 'there' – seems to be the sticky point. Not just for students of English, as Wikihow attempts to clarify with its rudimentary 'there', 'their', 'they're' explainer, but for more fundamental reasons. It’s a word that, according to one account, is being actively avoided, both by those on the conservative end and the liberal one. And the author of that piece apparently tried to find out why.

The issue, it seems, hinges on more than just grammar. dictionaries like Larousse, WordReference, and Cambridge offer a(n) eclectic range of meanings. From simple locative indicators – "there they are!" or "it's around there somewhere" – to interjections of mild comfort or dismissal ("there, there, don't cry" or "there you go again!"). This word, so easily dismissed as a mere placeholder or pointer, is in fact a complex nexus of placement, existence, and even sentiment.

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THE AVOIDANCE PROTOCOL

The very fact that a simple word, one of the most basic building blocks of the language, could be the subject of such concerted (and apparently bipartisan) avoidance speaks volumes.

What this particular avoidance signifies is the core of the investigation. It’s not just about misplacing a book. It's about a refusal to acknowledge a certain spatial, or perhaps conceptual, reality. The article, as it's framed, implies that certain positions or arguments are being actively sidestepped by simply not using the word that would acknowledge them.

A LINGUISTIC BORDERLAND

The confusion around 'there', 'their', and 'they're' is, on one level, a simple grammatical hurdle. As the Wikihow guide points out, one involves possession ('their'), one is a contraction of 'they are' ('they're'), and 'there' fills in the gaps, often signifying place or existence. But the fact that this is presented as a problem for both sides of a political or ideological spectrum suggests something far more intricate at play. It’s a point where language, meaning, and what we choose not to articulate intersect. The avoidance itself becomes a statement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are people avoiding the word 'there' in political discussions?
Some people believe the word 'there' is being avoided by those with different political views. This avoidance might be a way to not acknowledge certain ideas or places.
Q: Is this about grammar or something else?
While 'there', 'their', and 'they're' can be confusing grammatically, the article suggests the avoidance is about more than just mistakes. It's about choosing not to use a word that might acknowledge a specific viewpoint or situation.
Q: Who is affected by this word avoidance?
This affects how people understand political arguments and discussions. It means certain topics or positions might be deliberately left unsaid, making it harder to have a full conversation.
Q: What does this avoidance signal?
The avoidance of such a basic word signals a deeper issue in communication. It shows that language can be used to sidestep or ignore certain realities, even when it involves common words.