# 15. Linguistic manipulation ## 15.5. Methodology/Refinements/Sub-species ### 15.5.0. Aesopian Language ***Working definitions of Aesopian language:*** An utterance, used strategically, which, by means of various discursive devices, may generate a second semantic level of speech, i.e. a hidden layer, the content of which is officially undesirable or forbidden; in other words, with the implicit content, or subtext, that is officially undesirable or forbidden. The implicit content, based upon the author's intentions, should carry the main content of the utterance. **Reference:** [Google Book](https://books.google.com.au/books?id=Sd2cBE6GwCwC&pg=PA108&lpg=PA108&dq=aesopian+language&source=bl&ots=VAw_vxnGCb&sig=ACfU3U0eC02YZcaD9r4sxkIRA-HnloUt6A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiWtIXY1KuAAxWSgFYBHdoqALo4MhDoAXoECBoQAw#v=onepage&q=aesopian%20language&f=false). **Aesopian language** is a means of communication with the intent to convey a concealed meaning to informed members of a conspiracy or underground movement, whilst simultaneously maintaining the guise of an innocent meaning to outsiders. The terminology refers to the allegorical writings of ancient Greek [fabulist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fabulist "Fabulist") [Aesop](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesop "Aesop"). **Reference:** [Aesopian Language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesopian_language) **See:** [Plausible Deniability](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plausible_deniability), [Doublespeak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doublespeak), [Metaphor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphor). **Darren:** what is aesopian language? **ChatGPT:** Aesopian language refers to a method of communication that conveys an intended meaning indirectly or metaphorically, rather than through explicit statements. The term comes from the Greek storyteller Aesop, who is best known for his fables. These stories are often short tales featuring animals and other non-human characters, but they convey moral or political lessons applicable to humans. In more modern context, Aesopian language is often used to refer to coded or metaphorical language used by writers under oppressive regimes to subtly criticize the government or to convey banned ideas. It can also be used to communicate hidden messages between people who understand the code but appear innocuous or meaningless to outsiders. **Darren:** Can you give me an example of how aesopian language could be used to manipulate someone? **ChatGPT:** Certainly, though it's important to note that using Aesopian language or any form of coded communication for manipulative purposes is ethically questionable. Let's consider a hypothetical example. Imagine a politician trying to rally support against a particular group or person without directly attacking them. They could use Aesopian language to achieve this by referring to the group or person through allegories, metaphors, or coded language. Suppose the politician wants to undermine a rival who is well-known for advocating environmental policies. The politician might not directly criticise these policies or the rival. Instead, they could tell a story about a well-intentioned gardener who insists on watering the plants so much that they start to drown, causing more harm than good. This story would be an Aesopian reference to the rival's environmental policies, implying they are overzealous and detrimental. Those who can decode the Aesopian language would understand the hidden criticism, while those who can't might still be subtly influenced against the rival without even realising it. **Darren:** How can it be used to ensure plausible deniability? **ChatGPT:** Plausible deniability is a concept often used in politics, espionage, and other fields, where it is desirable to have a "cover story" that could be believed in the event that activities are discovered. In essence, it's the ability of people (typically senior officials in a formal or informal chain of command) to deny knowledge of or responsibility for any damnable actions committed by others due to a lack of evidence that can confirm their participation. Aesopian language can be used as a tool for plausible deniability by conveying controversial, sensitive, or illegal messages in such a way that they can be denied if they are discovered or challenged. Here's a hypothetical example: Let's say a political leader wants to hint support for a protest against the government, but without officially endorsing it. They could use Aesopian language, saying something like, "It's always admirable when the flowers of our nation strive for sunlight, even when the shadows of big trees loom large." In this statement, "flowers" might symbolize the protesters, "sunlight" could represent freedom or rights, and "big trees" might symbolize the oppressive government or regime. If confronted, the leader can deny endorsing the protests, saying they were merely making a poetic statement about nature. This is plausible deniability in action, enabled through the use of Aesopian language. The real intent of the message is understood by those who can decode it, but it's disguised enough to deny its true meaning if challenged. **Reference:** [ChatGPT](https://chat.openai.com/share/cf150dff-0849-4bba-9ed0-bf2cdabc6269)