In a recent exchange on social media, Shashi Tharoor took a swipe at Jyotiraditya Scindia’s explanation for a flight delay, dismissing it as an unnecessary use of an “esoteric thesaurus.” The exchange between the two politicians highlights a recurring theme of linguistic dexterity in public discourse.
Background of the Exchange
The interaction began when Jyotiraditya Scindia, a prominent Indian politician and Union Minister for Civil Aviation, responded to a query about a delayed flight. In his response, Scindia used sophisticated and uncommon language to explain the situation, prompting a reaction from Shashi Tharoor, known for his eloquent and expansive vocabulary.
Tharoor’s Critique
Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament renowned for his command over the English language responded with a critique of Scindia’s use of language. Tharoor suggested that the explanation did not require an “esoteric thesaurus,” implying that more straightforward language would have sufficed in addressing the query about the flight delay.
Linguistic Styles in Public Discourse
The exchange between Tharoor and Scindia reflects a broader theme in Indian public discourse, where politicians and public figures are often scrutinized for their linguistic choices. Tharoor, in particular, is known for his extensive vocabulary and has previously drawn both admiration and criticism for his linguistic style.
Public Perception and Communication
The differing linguistic styles of politicians often contribute to the public’s perception of their personalities and approachability. While some appreciate articulate and sophisticated language as a sign of intelligence and education, others argue that it can create a perceived distance between politicians and the common people.
Communication in the Digital Age
In the era of social media, where exchanges between public figures are often played out in the public domain, linguistic choices can quickly become topics of discussion. The brevity and immediacy of platforms like Twitter can magnify the impact of language, as messages are disseminated and scrutinized in real-time.
Impact on Political Image
The exchange between Tharoor and Scindia is unlikely to have significant political consequences, but it contributes to the ongoing discourse about linguistic styles and communication strategies employed by public figures. Politicians often navigate the balance between projecting authority and relatability through their language choices.
Conclusion
The Twitter exchange between Shashi Tharoor and Jyotiraditya Scindia over the use of language in response to a flight delay highlights the nuanced dynamics of linguistic choices in public discourse. While Tharoor critiques the use of an “esoteric thesaurus,” the incident sparks conversations about the role of language in shaping public perception and communication strategies in the digital age.
