NCTE George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language
The NCTE George Orwell Award for Distinguished Contribution to Honesty and Clarity in Public Language honors creators of print or nonprint work that critically examines public discourse and exposes deceptive language.
Funder: National Council of Teachers of English
Due Dates: May 1, 2027 (nominations)
Funding Amounts: One nominated work selected annually
Summary: Recognizes a print or nonprint work that advances honesty and clarity in public language through critical analysis of public discourse.
Key Information: The creator must be based in the United States or its territories.
Description
The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) presents the George Orwell Award to an author, editor, or producer whose print or nonprint work makes an outstanding contribution to the critical analysis of public discourse. Established in 1975, the award is administered by NCTE’s Public Language Award Committee. It recognizes work that contributes to honesty and clarity in public language, rather than clear expression alone.
Eligible media include books, films, videos, podcasts, radio episodes, blogs, and articles. The committee’s work promotes discussion of language used in public spaces and helps readers identify deceptive language through rhetorical analysis and critical literacy. One nominated work is selected each year, with no limit on its number of co-authors or co-creators.
