Book review How the left is transforming our language

German language critic Matthias Heine has published a new book titled The Language of the Left, which argues that political actors use linguistic shifts to reshape public thought and identity. The work, released in spring 2026, opens with a specific reference to Christian Democratic Union politician Jens Spahn, who recently rejected being labeled "queer." Heine describes this refusal as a crucial act of resistance against what he terms the cultural hegemony of the identity-political left. The book, spanning 288 pages and published by Langen-Müller, posits that controlling language allows individuals to direct thinking toward desired outcomes. It contends that while right-wing and value-conservative groups cling to traditional identities such as nation and tradition, the left seeks to create new social categories through terminology changes. Spahn’s inclusion in the text highlights a recent political controversy. During a scandal involving a child born via surrogacy, Spahn lost his position as parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag. He subsequently resigned from his seat on the budget committee, a role he had unexpectedly secured despite criticism over mask-related spending. In the midst of these setbacks, Spahn pushed back against the adjective "queer," viewing it not merely as a fashion trend but as a political label. Heine notes that using such terms challenges the biological reality of two genders and submits speakers to the influence of leftist identity politics. Although Heine acknowledges that Spahn’s earlier actions regarding surrogacy contradicted his party's stance and biological arguments, the author grants him credit for recognizing the political weight of the term. The book categorizes political approaches to language into three distinct camps. Right-wing and conservative figures are described as holding onto old identities, finding little need to alter communal speech patterns. They view modifications like gender stars as detrimental and prefer established modes of communication that have historically served the community well. According to this perspective, Spahn’s rejection of the word "queer" aligns him more closely with right-leaning views, even if his prior policies did not fully match that ideological profile. These groups possess a keen sensitivity to attempts at changing collective language, seeing such efforts as threats to national roots and stability. Centrist politicians occupy a different space, focusing primarily on the individual rather than the collective. For them, questions about official languages or university instruction methods appear secondary. Whether immigrants master the local language is considered less important than their economic utility. This pragmatic approach means centrists do not attach deep emotional significance to the language that binds a nation together. Their political thinking centers on personal agency and economic benefit rather than preserving or reshaping communal identity through vocabulary. The left, however, is portrayed as actively attempting to forge new identities. Their current claims to power derive from asserting representation for marginalized, vulnerable, and subordinated groups. By introducing new terminology, they aim to dissolve existing structures and establish new ones. Heine argues that this process is not neutral but serves to expand the influence of those who control the narrative. The ability to seize the language of others enables the redirection of thought, thereby increasing political leverage. The book suggests that this dynamic creates a tension within political discourse, where language becomes a primary tool for maintaining, dissolving, or creating identities. Separate reporting indicates that Spahn is currently exploring opportunities in the startup sector. Former federal health minister Spahn has been intensely investigating entry points into the entrepreneurial scene. Observers have noted similarities between his current activities and the path taken by former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz. Kurz successfully entered the tech industry with the assistance of controversial billionaire investor Peter Thiel. Spahn’s interest in this field marks a shift from his previous focus on legislative duties, particularly after his departure from key committee roles. His engagement with the startup world appears to be a strategic move following his loss of formal political positions. Heine’s analysis extends beyond individual cases to examine broader trends in German political speech. The book fills a gap in linguistic critique by detailing how identity politics drives semantic change. It asserts that political actors utilize language as a mechanism to preserve, dismantle, or construct social realities. Those who succeed in appropriating the language of others can steer public cognition in specific directions. This capacity to influence thought processes is presented as a central feature of modern political strategy. The distinction between groups that resist linguistic change and those that promote it forms the core of the argument. The publication arrives amid ongoing debates about the role of language in society. Critics of linguistic reform argue that traditional expressions remain effective and widely understood. Proponents of change, conversely, see new terms as necessary tools for representing diverse experiences. Heine sides with the critics, framing the adoption of new terminology as a form of submission to leftist ideology. The book does not offer solutions but instead documents the mechanisms through which language evolves under political pressure. Readers are left with a detailed account of how specific words carry political weight and how their usage reflects deeper ideological commitments. Spahn’s trajectory illustrates the intersection of personal scandal and political positioning. After losing his leadership role due to the surrogacy affair, he found himself defending his stance on sensitive social issues. His rejection of the "queer" label became a focal point for commentators analyzing his political alignment. While some viewed his earlier decisions as inconsistent with conservative values, his later linguistic choices signaled a clear break with progressive terminology. This sequence of events provides a case study for Heine’s thesis on the relationship between language and political identity. The book’s release coincides with increased scrutiny of political rhetoric in Germany. As parties navigate shifting voter bases, the choice of words carries heightened importance. Heine’s work contributes to this discussion by providing a framework for understanding why certain terms become contentious. It emphasizes that language is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and others. The debate over terms like "queer" thus transcends semantics, touching on fundamental questions of biology, culture, and political power. Future developments may test the theories outlined in the book. As political figures continue to adopt or reject new terminology, the impact on public discourse will likely become clearer. Spahn’s potential involvement in the startup sector adds another layer to his evolving public image. Whether his linguistic stances will resonate with voters remains to be observed. The interplay between personal branding and political ideology continues to shape the landscape of German politics. Heine’s analysis offers a lens through which these dynamics can be examined, highlighting the subtle yet powerful role of language in political life.