Eschatological dimension of the language in Polish publication of Jehovah’s Witnesses Cover Image

Eschatologiczny wymiar języka w polskich publikacjach Świadków Jehowy
Eschatological dimension of the language in Polish publication of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Author(s): Elżbieta Jaroś
Subject(s): Sociolinguistics, Polish Literature, Western Slavic Languages, Biblical studies, Sociology of Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Akademii im. Jakuba z Paradyża
Keywords: eschatology; religious language; Jehovah’s Witnesses;

Summary/Abstract: In the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, particular importance is attributed to eschatology, by means of which religious leaders interpret: the content of the Bible, as well as contemporary political and social events. Skillful use of words, as well as a selection of linguistic means allows religious hierarchs affect using the language on the structure of community and the behavior of its individual members. Although the organization does not already provide specific dates of the end of the world and uses only suggestions, applied to the twentieth century eschatological narrative determined the specificity of the language in Polish Watchtower publications and also specificity of speech used by members of the organization. The present article sketches eschatological dimension of language in Polish publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, in order to specify the meaning and the function that language plays in the life of a religious community.

  • Issue Year: 11/2015
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 67-79
  • Page Count: 13
  • Language: Polish