meta talk cafe
  • meta talk blog
  • about

In this economy...

8/23/2013

1 Comment

 
We’ve been using the phrase “in this economy” to refer to state of the economy.

A couple examples that might sound plausible to you:
  • “In this economy, new college grads are at a disadvantage.” 
  • “In this economy, retirement is not possible.” 

Built into the expression, “in this economy,” is the understanding that we are facing an economic situation where there’s little to no growth, unemployment is high, and poverty is on the rise. In sum, times are tough.

We can agree on what “in this economy” means, but why do we say, “in this economy?” It’s always interesting to think about what we’re choosing to say—and all the alternatives. What are we not saying? Why not say, “the current economic situation?” Why not say, “recession” or “depression,” or “crisis?”

Linguists look at a phrase like “in this economy” and notice the word “this.” It’s a term that reflects “deixis,” or situates the phrase in space and time. Depending on the speaker and the context, terms like “this” and “that” attach themselves to different meanings.

In the expression, “in this economy,” the word “this” does two things:
  1. It keeps the economy “physically” close to the speaker. It’s very personal. It’s nearby.
  2. It talks about the present and maybe even the near future. It’s now. It’s tomorrow. It’s probably not going to change in the short-term.

Saying “in this economy” is different from saying “current economy,” which speaks to a time in place (now) and presumes that, with time, the economic situation might change.

To what extent is how we think about the economy shaped by the currency of the phrase “in this economy?”

(I am not crazy enough to think that an economic crisis can pass with a slight mindset/language change, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.)

1 Comment

    Archives

    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    May 2020
    November 2019
    September 2018
    February 2018
    April 2015
    February 2014
    November 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    July 2012
    February 2012
    December 2011
    December 2010

    Check out

    Lingthusiasm Podcast
    Superlinguo Blog
    Career Linguist Blog & Resources

    Categories

    All
    Advice
    Authenticity
    Branding
    Business
    Communication
    Compliments
    Cross Cultural
    Customer Service
    Dispersed
    Economy
    Employee
    Executive
    Family
    Intercultural
    Jargon
    Linguistics
    Marketing
    Networking
    Politeness
    Positioning Power Workplace Conversation
    Virtual
    Workplace
    Writing

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.