Language, an intricately woven thread in the fabric of human existence, holds a rich and multifaceted history. It transcends mere communication; it encapsulates the essence of culture, knowledge, and belief systems. Yet, it has not always been employed for noble purposes. Throughout history, we find instances where language was weaponized, wielded as a means of manipulation, control, and propaganda. Delving deeper into the historical origins of language, its role in the suppression of ideas found in banned books, its ominous utilization during the Nazi regime, and its profound connection to biblical literature is undeniable.

Language’s roots extend far into our distant past, evolving from the earliest cave paintings and symbols to written scripts such as cuneiform in Ancient Mesopotamia. With the advent of writing, humanity could document and preserve knowledge, codify laws, and facilitate the exchange of ideas across vast expanses of time and geography.

Particularly in Ancient Mesopotamia, where cuneiform script emerged, characterized by wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets that revolutionized human communication, the recording of knowledge, the codification of laws, and the exchange of ideas, all laid the groundwork for the advancement of human societies.

In this context, the figure of Enheduanna, a priestess and poet, emerges as a particularly pivotal figure in history. She was the earliest known author who lived in the Sumerian city of Ur around 2300 BCE. Enheduanna’s writings, including hymns and poems dedicated to the goddess Inanna, hold a unique place in history, contributing to a profound sense of unity in the Sumerian religious tradition, her writings influencing religious cohesion. Her works not only celebrated the divine but also marked a significant shift towards individual authorship and the power of words over people. Enheduanna’s significance lies not just in being the first known author but also in her contribution to the development of written literature.

However, throughout history, the plight of literature hasn’t been easy or honourable. One of the most ominous chapters in the history of language’s weaponization is its role in Nazi propaganda. Figures such as Joseph Goebbels wielded rhetoric with masterful precision, skillfully shaping public opinion to propagate the despicable ideology of Aryan supremacy and to inflame anti-Semitic sentiments. The manipulation of language undoubtedly lay at the core of the Nazi propaganda machine, enabling the dehumanization and persecution of millions during the Holocaust, just as it did in times of the rise of Marxism, China’s Cultural Revolution, or in recent years.

Just as Enhedunna united her people with text, language has also been weaponized, in and outside of religion. The realm of biblical literature is another arena where language’s influence is palpable. Various religious groups and denominations have interpreted and wielded biblical texts to justify a wide array of causes, from the abhorrent endorsement of slavery to the noble principles underpinning civil rights movements to the outright banning of books, and throughout the annals of history, certain books have been deemed so potent or subversive that authorities opted to ban or censor them. This act of banning books serves as a stark testament to the sheer power of language and the ideas it conveys. Reflect on Galileo’s scientific works, condemned by the Catholic Church for their challenge to the prevailing worldview, or consider Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” a profound critique of authoritarianism and religious extremism. These books were suppressed, but their ideas endured, illustrating the indomitable force of language.

As we transition to the ‘post-pandemic’ era, a term oddly used by ‘authorities’, to instill concepts and imagery within the mind, the weaponization of language has taken on many new forms. The digital age has ushered in an era where misinformation and disinformation proliferate at an unprecedented rate via social media platforms as well as legacy media. To decipher the truth, let alone dictate the truth, is as slippery as wet ice, and to dictate to a person or culture a truth that another one demands they hold is akin to Goebbels’ prescribed ideology.  Extremist ideologies find fertile ground in the echo chambers of the internet, social groups, and political ideologies both left and right, and manipulate language to construct alternative realities that challenge established truths; however, if we return to Galileo’s works, established truths sometimes deserve to be overturned.

The historical roots of language reveal its dual nature—a force that can both enlighten and progress humanity, while simultaneously serving as a tool for manipulation and control. Recognizing this inherent duality is essential for preserving the integrity of discourse and public dialogue. In a world where words possess the potential to be formidable weapons, the responsibility falls upon each of us to critically evaluate information and uphold ethical communication by substantiating our claims on facts, not slurs. By dedicating ourselves to truth, understanding, and empathy, we can counteract the negative consequences of language manipulation and strive toward a brighter future for our society, all the while wary of those who use derogatory terms rather than extended sentences to suppress us through shame and gaslighting.

In the grand tapestry of human existence, language remains an ever-present reflection of our shared humanity. It possesses the power to inspire, enlighten, and unite, or conversely, to divide, deceive, and destroy. The choice of how to wield this extraordinary tool ultimately rests with each of us and only history’s hindsight will dictate if we were right.