In the United States Congress, language used by elected officials is changing. Instead of focusing on evidence-based discussions with words like “proof” and “reason,” more emphasis is being placed on intuition with words like “phony” and “doubt.” Researchers at the University of Bristol analyzed millions of congressional speech transcripts dating back to 1879 using artificial intelligence.
The study showed a shift towards intuition-based language starting in the 1970s, coinciding with political polarization and a decrease in enacted laws. According to Stephan Lewandowsky, the lead researcher, this shift reflects a change in how truth and honesty are perceived.
John Jost from New York University notes that this trend aligns with a rise in anti-intellectualism and rejection of expert opinions. Renáta Németh from Eötvös Loránd University praises the study’s in-depth analysis of language context rather than just word frequency.
Future research will focus on individual lawmakers’ language shifts in congressional speeches and social media posts. The team also plans to compare language trends in other historical parliaments like those in Italy and Germany. This study sheds light on the evolving language used in political discourse and its implications on decision-making.
Vocabulary List:
- Polarization /ˌpoʊ.lə.rɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The division of something into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
- Intuition /ˌɪn.tʃuˈɪʃ.ən/ (noun): The ability to understand something instinctively without the need for conscious reasoning.
- Anti-intellectualism /ˌæntiˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl.ɪ.zəm/ (noun): The sentiment that opposes or is hostile to intellectuals or intellectualism.
- Enacted /ɪˈnæktɪd/ (verb): To make (a bill or other legislative measure) into law.
- Discourse /ˈdɪs.kɔːrs/ (noun): Written or spoken communication or debate.
- Implications /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ (noun): The possible effects or results of an action or decision.
