Article Title：Language and politics in Italy: from Moro to Berlusconi
Abstract：
The article posits the existence of a nexus between some language dimensions on the one hand, and the type of party system and degree of electoral volatility on the other. The first part dissects the old language of politics, these days contemptuously referred to as politichese, and argues that its cryptic character can be properly understood only if seen against both functional requirements and systematic constraints of the Italian post-war political regime in general, and the functioning of its party system in particular. The second part examines the new language that emerged in the early 1990s, the so-called gentese, and argues that its populist characteristics are linked to the disintegration of old parties which meant that a sizeable portion og the electorate was up for grabs, Other important factors were the emergence of political actors who wished to differentiate themselves from those of the past and their perception that the Italian party system was changing.
Keywords: Italy; language; politics; party system; electoral volatility
DOI: 10.1080/13545710110084271
Source：JOURNAL OF MODERN ITALIAN STUDIES
Welcome to correct the error, please contact email: humanisticspider@gmail.com
