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The Role of Language in the Play "Translations"
Summary: In the play "Translations" by Brian Friel, language is used as a source of power and conflict, as the Irish only speak Gaelic and the British soldiers only speak English. This both strengthens the barrier between the two parties and further exposes their differences.
Though the play is written in English the audience are to believe that the common people of Baile Beag speak only Gaelic and the soldiers speak only English. This strengthens the barrier between the two parties and exposes further differences between them.
The English use their language to oppress the local people, as they cannot mix with the English, the rulers, while they are disadvantaged by the lack of a common language they therefore cannot reach powerful positions. The lack of common language also weakens the English power, as they cannot own the area and the land as the locals do, as they do not know it and have no share in its history. They therefore propose to anglicise the place names in the area. This will exhibit the English power in the area and serve to take away some of the Irish power. They are also beginning...
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This section contains 1,573 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) |
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