Transcribing the part-time PM’s interviews can be a nightmare. When she is feeling the pressure, words come out rapid fire, which combined with her characteristic sloppy diction makes her very hard to understand. She is also rewriting the English language as we know it, and this guide will help you interpret what she really means.
Ardern invariably goes into attack mode when replying to awkward questions that have the potential to damage her position as leader of the Labour Party, or the party itself.
The following words and phrases are littered throughout her interviews as hackneyed words and phrases trotted out to bat away awkward questions. The use of them is an indication that she is feeling the pressure.
Top of the list are the words “again” and “clear.” They are her “go to” phrases in a conversation to gain a few seconds to prepare her railroading defence.
“Again” and “As I said” are common diversions away from incriminating content and also a slur that the interviewer has already asked that question even when they haven’t.
Translation: “You weren’t listening to me the first time, were you?”
“Just to be clear”, “I’ve been very clear on this”, “I just want to bring clarity” and “for clarity”. A diversion used to avoid directly answering a question, and questions the interviewer’s ability to follow the conversation.
Translation: “Why are you such an idiot that I have to repeat myself?” and “You are not listening to me”.
“Information in the public domain.” Reminding the interviewer that Ardern is party to information that is not available to us, and as such she gets a get out of jail free card for not being open and transparent. It is used to signal to the interviewer that, “unfortunately”, she is not free to talk about everything.
Translation: “Let’s keep talking about this for as long as possible because this is old news where I can’t possibly get into trouble.”
“There is a process in place.” Another diversion and an attempt to convince the listener of both her importance and capability. It always relates to delegation of duties, which Ardern is expert in.
Translation: “Give it a rest, why don’t you, I have this under control.” (Actually, she doesn’t and neither does anyone else.)
“Best practice”
A neat little legal term rolled out when the proverbial hits the fan but the blame is easily attributed to someone else.
Translation: “Of course, I always perform to the highest standard, it’s my minions that stuff things up”.
“Lever” Definition: In its simplest form, a lever is a stick that is free to pivot or move back and forth at a certain point but when Ardern uses the term “lever” there is no freedom of movement – it is her way or the highway. Eg [Ardern] flagged that the Government will announce – along with other countries – a new initiative “that applies trade levers to climate-related goods, services and technologies”.
Translation: “You will do as I say because I am making your life much more difficult until you do.”