‘Pygmalion’ is a play about Phonetics, Comment. [British Drama (2018-19) Assignment 2]

 "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw is a play that is centered around the theme of phonetics, the study of speech sounds. The play follows the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who is taken under the tutelage of Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, and transformed into a lady of high society.

The play explores the power of phonetics to shape and transform social identity. The characters in the play use language as a tool for social mobility and advancement, as they try to change their social status by changing their speech patterns. The play shows how language can be used to shape social identity, and how speech patterns can be used to communicate social class, education, and other social markers.

Furthermore, the play also touches on the idea of language as a symbol of power and control. Professor Higgins sees himself as a master of language and speech, and he uses his skills to shape and control Eliza's identity. He treats her as a mere experiment, using her to prove his theory that social class can be determined by speech patterns. This suggests that language is not only a tool for social mobility but also a means of asserting power and control over others.

In conclusion, "Pygmalion" is a play that is primarily concerned with the theme of phonetics and the power of language to shape social identity. The play highlights the role of language in communicating social status and identity, and how it can be used as a tool for social advancement and power. The play remains a significant work of literature and has been adapted into various forms, including musicals and films.