Perceptions of Profanity - Research Paper Example

Perceptions of Profanity Introduction Profanity is the use of language that is thought to be impolite or offensive. Profanity is the use of words that are termed as bad, foul, or vulgar in a certain culture (Chrisler and McCreary 14). Profanity can also be termed as swearing that is based on negative actions and thoughts. Use of such words in the society can cause offence, cause insults, show rudeness, or show bad behavior (Chrisler and McCreary 19). Though the use of such words is not accepted in the society, many people still use them and their numbers are on the rise. People use such words because they are mad, they are disappointed, or they have been offended (Chrisler and McCreary 26). Though such reasons can justify the use of profanity, it is important that individuals in the society learn to use a language that will depict them as good role models to the younger ones. Good role modeling and societal norms form the foundations on which good morals are built and need to be maintained for a moral society in future. In order to have the true picture of the perceptions of profanity in relation to age and gender, the following research was conducted. Literature review There are many perceptions of profanity in relation to gender and age. Such perceptions have been formulated by people according to their analysis of how people use language in the different societies they are located. According to Selnow (1985), females reported less use of profanity than males in different settings and contexts. They were observed to think before uttering any word that may cause offence or appear to be vulgar. In addition to this, women showed appropriateness in use of profanity in different settings and contexts (Selnow 303). They showed a sense of awareness of their surroundings and correct use of words and phrases that related to emotions. From the research, males reported that the use of profanity demonstrated social power in the society and helped them to be socially acceptable in the society. They tended to use vulgar language and statements that insulted their colleagues in the different settings and contexts (Selnow 303). Another report presented by Howell and Giuliano (2011), showed that there is high use of profanity in games and fans see its use as an effective way to coach or give directions to the participants. The report also showed that use of profanity was seen to be effective on males’ teams and was not regular on female teams (Howell and Giuliano 69). From the same report, analysis shows that the males of a certain volleyball team accepted that the coach’s speech was very effective when it contained profanity as compared to when it did not have any obscene words (Howell and Giuliano 69). They gave testimonies that the coach’s speech was more effective when given to them than when he was addressing a females’ volleyball team. In contrast to the males, the females’ volleyball team did not exhibit any changes in the coach’s speech with or without profane language. From this study, it is clear that females can easily be demotivated by the use of profane language while the males are motivated by the use of the same profane language (Howell and Giuliano 69). From the study, it can also be concluded that the use of profane language is inbuilt in male genes and they are very sensitive in the use of such words in language (Howell and Giuliano 69). This is clearly depicted when the females do not notice any change in the effectiveness of the coach’s speech when he did or did not use profane language. It is also clear that males and females have different expectations, interpretations, and opinions in the use of profane language. In order to prove these perceptions in the society, a survey was conducted and the results are as shown below (Howell and Giuliano 69). Methodology Data used in this survey was collected from 32 people with a composition of 16 males and 16 females. The sample was issued with questionnaires that collected facts and theories they had regarding the use of profanity in the society. The questionnaire asked the average number of times one heard the use of profane language per day, and the average number of times profane language was used by a male and a female per day. In addition to this, the questionnaire also captured their opinion on the use of profane language; whether it is good or bad, their perception on which gender used profane language most, and if they think that profane language should be encouraged. The questionnaire also captured the age ranges in which participants thought that the use of profane language was common. The results from the survey were tabulated as shown below. Table 1: Showing the number of males and females on the use of profanity per day Use of profanity Males Females 0-5 1 22 6-10 2 6 11-15 8 3 16-20 20 1 More than 20 1 0 From the table, 20 participants observed at least 16 to 20 males using profanity per day. On the same frequency of using profanity, only one participant had observed a woman use profanity. On the previous category, eight participants had observed males using profanity at least 11 to 15 time a day. In the same category of use, only three participants had observed women using profanity. In the lowest frequency for use of profanity, only one participant had observed males using profanity at least 1 to 5 times a day. In the same category, 22 participants had observed women using profanity at least 1 to 5 times a day. These results depict a scenario where women are observed to use profanity less than the males. Males tend to use profanity more often and like using vulgar language. Table 2: Showing use of profanity with age Age Totals 0-5 1 6-10 1 11-15 4 15-20 17 21-25 8 Moe than 25 1 In the tables above, the frequency of using profanity increases with age to a climax age range of between 18 to 25 years and the trend declines. In the table, the frequency of using profanity for individuals aged between 1 and 5 years is one time per day. In the next category of people aged between 6 and 10 years, the average use of profanity per day is also once. For individuals aged between 11 and 15 years, the average frequency of using profanity is 4 times per day. The frequency, however, shoots to 17 times a day for individuals aged between 15 and 20 years and starts to drop as the age goes up. Individuals aged between 21 and 25 years have an average frequency of using profanity of 8 times per day. Individuals in the age bracket of 25 years and above have an average frequency of 1 time a day. Findings and analysis The results in the above tables was graphed for analysis and showed that about 28 participants out of the 32 participants believed that males used profanity more than the women. The graph for male usage of profanity usage per day starts at a low frequency and rises with the number of participants. More participants observed males using profanity more times a day as compared to the females. Males were observed to use profanity up to a frequency of 16 to 20 times a day. The depicted rate is alarming and is a big threat to the morals of siblings and children who look up to their elder brothers or father as their role model (Elspeth and Jyotsna 71). Graph 1: Males graph on the use of profanity per day In contrast to the males’ use of profanity, the females were observed to use profanity very often. Most of them had to use profane language only if the situation forced them to do so. They showed a high sense of understanding their setting and environment before choosing the words to use. From the findings, it is also clear that females were not very sensitive to profane words, and may not recognize such words easily in a sentence. This scenario is attributed to their genetic makeup, which does not have the genes for frequent use of profanity (Elspeth and Jyotsna 47). Graph 2: Females graph on the use of profanity per day In regard to age, the frequency for the use of profanity increases steadily and is highest between the age of 18 and 25 years. This scenario clearly shows that the use of profaity is something people learn over time and they are best at it when their mental capability is high. However, after 25 years, the frequency takes a downward trend and narrows down to 1 or even 0. This scenario occurs due to the increses in responsibilities and maturity of individuals. Beyond the age of 25 years, iundividuals mature and start learning how to take responsibilities which makes them role models. They therefore change their habits in order to form the best role models to their children and siblings (Elspeth and Jyotsna 58). Graph 3: Age ranges with the use of profanity These results together with the research conducted in regard to the males use of profanity, it is clear that the use of profanity is a male based character and is in build in their genetic structure. This is true because males from different regions give the same feedback on the use of profanity in the society. Most of the male participants in the survey agreed that they were very sensitive to hearing profane language and could determine if such words were used positively or negatively. Some of them agreed that the use of profanity when talking in a group increased the fun and made a discussion more interesting. They find the use of profanity to be enjoyable and encouraging especially when used in a group setup (Elspeth and Jyotsna 56). Conclusion In conclusion, it is clear that the males use profane language more often than the females. This is very evident from the results and analysis of the survey. This has also been proven by researchers in the different fields dealing with human behavior and genetic differences between men and women. Use of profanity is also seen to be proportional to age from the age of 1 year to 25 years, from where it takes a downward trend until old age (Elspeth and Jyotsna 92). This scenario is attributed to the increase in responsibilities by the age of 25 years. From this, it is therefore important that the males take caution when speaking to avoid the use of such words (Elspeth and Jyotsna 108). Works cited Chrisler, Joan C and Donald R McCreary. Handbook of gender research in psychology. New York : Springer, 2010. Howell, Jennifer L. and Traci A. Giuliano. "The Effect of Expletive Use and Team Gender Perceptions of Coaching Effectiveness." Journal of Sport Behavior (2011): 69. http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/58056294/effect-expletive-use-team-gender-perceptions-coaching-effectiveness Page, Elspeth and Jyotsna Jha. Exploring the bias : gender and stereotyping in secondary schools. London : Commonwealth Secretariat, 2009. Selnow, Gary W. "Sex Differences in Uses and Perceptions of Profanity." Sex Roles (1985): 303. http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/23826264/sex-differences-uses-perceptions-profanity Read More