In the arena of politics and international relations, words matter a lot. Sometimes, their inadequacy is precisely meant to express - or conceal - the obvious, which is forbidden from being mentioned by the vague notion of political correctness. Language by itself permits vast possibilities of nuances and subtleties, and by the same token, that which is spoken or said permits various interpretations of its meaning and significance. Just ask any diplomat or lawyer.
During today's lecture, the sincere and dedicated but ultimately boring and monotonous lecturer caught my (and the rest of the lecture's) attention when he said something. We were on the topic of ASEAN and politics in Southeast Asia, and he mentioned something about PM Lee and Thaksin's meeting in Thailand, wherein the two leaders discussed matters with regard to Indonesia, that biggest member in the regional organisation.
He said: When Thailand and Singapore speak in Thailand about Indonesia affairs, it is called interferrence. When Thailand and Singapore and Indonesia talk about the latter's problems in its country, it is called dialogue.
It seems so trivial yet this demonstrates in a limited sort of way how language gives meaning to the whole notion of political correctness, or incorrectness.
The choice of words speaks volumes.
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