Profane and anodyne language - Essay Example

Profane and anodyne language Introduction It would not be a mistake that one of the peculiarities of human being is the ability to generate verbal interaction. Indeed, the phenomenon of language in full meaning is not found anywhere beyond the boundaries of the society that is formed by humans. However, it must be noted that in the course of examination the “dark” side of language is often overlooked, namely profanity. This paper will focus on similarities and differences between profane and anodyne words claiming that they are largely conditioned by different aspects of grammar. Similarity between profane and anodyne language One of the most fundamental similarities between the two kinds of language is the fact that they both adhere to grammar rules that are applied to a particular language in general (Hunter, 2009). In other words, even to swear a person has to follow at least some of the rules for example subject predicate agreement. While indeed, some forms of swearing allow a greater freedom on grammar such as rejection of changes that occur when a verb is used in third person singular, but it is obvious that a sentence that contains profanity must be grammatically correct. The next obvious similarity between profane and anodyne language focuses on the use of historical grammar. Thus, the rules which were invented at a certain time are applied to all areas of the language, regardless of whether it is commonly used one or not. In addition to that, as grammatical rules change they are simultaneously projected onto profanity as well. In other words, these two areas of language do not develop separately. Finally, just like many aspect of grammar of anodyne language is conditioned by traditions, for example the forms of politeness, certain elements of profane language are conditioned by traditions as well. In other words, a particular nation in the course of its development did not only pay attention to one area of the language, but also was developing, maybe even unconsciously, a different area of it which is not commonly acceptable. Therefore, the peculiarities of grammatical usage of profanity are influenced by the same external cultural forces that influenced anodyne language. Differences between profanity and anodyne language However, it must be noted that there are significant differences that can be identified between the above mentioned areas of language. The first and the most obvious one is the limited usage of the former. Other than legal requirement to refrain from using profanity in public places or mass media, the usage of it is criticized by public morality as well. That is why it is rather difficult for the profanity to be shared or be performed, as there are numerous restrictions, unlike in the case of anodyne language. The next difference focuses on the engagement of creativity when it comes to profane language. Of course, it there is no doubt that from time to time individuals create words that are latter included in the dictionaries. A good example is William Shakespeare who created many words that are commonly used in English. However, in the majority of the cases people tend to use words that were predesigned and refrain from creating their own. Contrary to that when a person uses profanity one is able to come up not only with new words, but also with new combinations which might intensify one’s language. Finally, unlike anodyne language, profanity can hardly be regulated by the external forces. Indeed, the only thing that linguists can do is to record and analyze the development of profanity, but they can hardly influence it. On the other hand, anodyne language can be affected significantly by the government issuing new rules and regulations regarding usage of the language. While it is quite understandable that the government will not want to develop profanity, it should also keep in mind that it cannot. Implications of the findings Now, it may be logical to consider the implications that the findings mentioned above have for the understanding of the language in general. First of all, it becomes obvious that every part of language is a system is regulated by rules. Of course, the connection between the norm and the usage can range from loose to very string; however, in any case this connection is never lost. In other words, even profanity which is something that is associated with protest against the norms still follows at least some rules in order to be understood by others. The next implication that should be mentioned in particular is that grammar as it changes with time as applied to all areas of the language. That is why it would not be an exaggeration to state that there is historical development of profanity. This is something that many people overlook in their consideration of the latter: while it has been around since the beginning of language and will stay with it, it also changes. The third implication that one might note is that a close examination of profane and anodyne language states that every single person who speaks a particular language is taking an active part in its development. While this is not seen in short term perspective, it is obvious that all the speakers collectively decide who they will use language in the future. This can be applied to profane and anodyne language equally as people use they both. Contextualization of the findings With all this in mind, one may turn to examination of the significance of the findings. To begin with, the idea that different areas of language are affected by rules even if the relationship is weak is particularly important because it means that people can deliberately improve language by changing the rules. In other words, it should not be seen as some kind of unique linguistic phenomenon: language is directly and indirectly affected by the decisions that people make on various levels and everyone will benefit from gradual improvement of it. Secondly, as the change of different areas of language has been proven, it may be essential to take a closer examination of the contemporary state of language and compare it with the previously acquired data. In other words, since the language is constantly changing, it is obvious that the scholar should understand what phase it is now and what kind of external forces it is currently affected by. This calls for a further detailed investigation of the contemporary language. Moreover, this is quite suitable because of the increased influence of technology. Finally, the findings show that people should be aware of their language responsibility. Indeed, this concept might be somewhat new the people. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize that all the users of language affect its further development and, therefore, should use it carefully. This means that every time people deliberately break the rules of language, while using profane or anodyne lexis, they negatively affect the development of it. As a result, people should acknowledge that they are not mere users of language, they are also creators of it to a certain extent. Conclusion Having examined all the points that were mentioned in the paragraphs above, one should point out the following: there is a number of similarities and difference that exist between profane and anodyne language which are conditioned by various aspects of grammar. That is why this shows that these two seemingly different areas of language are closely connected though they might contradict with each other at time. In any case, people should recognize that they have a responsibility to use their language properly in order to ensure its development. References Hunter, E. (2009). Profanity, What You Dont Know Shows. New York, NY: Xulon Press. Read More