As a literary expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies of language and its role in literature, I can provide an insightful analysis of why precise language is used in "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. The novel is set in a dystopian society where language has been controlled and simplified to eliminate complexity, emotion, and individuality. The use of precise language serves several critical functions within the narrative, reflecting the society's values and the protagonist's journey towards self-discovery and freedom.

Step 1: English Answer

**The Role of Precise Language in "The Giver": A Literary Analysis**

"The Giver" presents a society that has deliberately engineered its language to be precise and devoid of emotional connotations. This precision is not merely a linguistic feature but a tool of control that the society's leaders use to maintain order and suppress the individuality of its citizens. Here are several reasons why precise language is employed in the novel:


1. Control Over Emotions: By limiting the emotional spectrum of words, the society can control the emotions of its people. The use of precise language restricts the expression of feelings, which in turn limits the capacity for deep emotional connections and relationships. This is evident in the way the society's members refer to each other by their functional roles rather than by personal names.


2. Prevention of Conflict: The society believes that by eliminating words that can lead to conflict, such as "war" or "hate," they can create a peaceful and harmonious environment. However, this is a superficial peace that is achieved at the expense of genuine human interaction and freedom of thought.


3. Uniformity and Conformity: Precise language enforces uniformity among the citizens. It discourages diversity of thought and promotes conformity. The society values sameness and fears the chaos that could arise from individual differences.


4. Reduction of Choice: The limited vocabulary available to the citizens of this society reduces their ability to make choices. The protagonist, Jonas, begins to understand the depth of his society's loss when he learns the full extent of the words and concepts that have been removed from their language.


5. Suppression of Memory and History: By controlling language, the society can control the memories and historical knowledge of its people. The absence of words for certain concepts means that the society's citizens cannot even conceive of those concepts, let alone discuss or remember them.


6. The Role of the Giver: The Giver's role is to hold the memories of the past, which includes the knowledge of a more complex language. This character serves as a bridge between the controlled present and the lost past, providing Jonas with the knowledge that sparks his quest for truth and freedom.

7.
Irony of Corporal Punishment: The mention of Asher's request for a "smack" highlights the irony of a society that uses precise language to avoid violence but still employs corporal punishment. This contradiction underscores the flawed logic of the society's approach to language and its true intentions.

8.
Jonas's Awakening: As Jonas receives his training from the Giver, he begins to understand the beauty and power of language. His growing awareness of the richness of words and the emotions they can convey leads to his realization of the society's flaws and his eventual rebellion.

9.
The Power of Choice: The novel ultimately argues that the ability to choose is fundamental to humanity. Precise language is a tool to strip individuals of this ability. Jonas's journey is a testament to the importance of language in making informed choices and embracing the full spectrum of human experience.

In conclusion, the use of precise language in "The Giver" is a multifaceted narrative device that serves to critique the society's attempt to control its citizens through the manipulation of language. It also underscores the importance of language in expressing the full range of human emotions and experiences, and it is central to the protagonist's development and the novel's exploration of freedom and individuality.

**read more >>

The precision of language was one of the most important tasks of small children. Asher had asked for a smack. ... It's ironic that corporal punishment is tied to language in The Giver. The entire purpose of "precision of language" should be to avoid conflict and problems, misunderstanding, and even potential violence.read more >>