KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESAERCH UNIVERSITY OF SULAIMANI
A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF MALES AND FEMALES’ SWEARING IN SELECTED ENGLISH AUDIO- VISUAL TEXTS A THESIS SUBMETED TO THE COUNCIL OF THE SCHOOL OF LANGUAGESFACULTY OF HUMANITIES-UNIVERSITY OF SULAIMANI IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS IN ENGLISH LANGAUGE AND LINGUISTICS.
BY JAMAL ABDULRAHMAN MOHAMMED
SUPERVISED BY Dr. SALAH MOHAMMED SALIH 1435 H
2714 K
2014 AD
حكومةتي هةريَمي كوردستان وةزارةتي خويَندني باالَو تويَذينةوةي زانسيت زانكوَي سليَماني
تابو الي ذنان و ثياوان لة ضةند تيكستيَكي نووسراو و بيسرتاوي ئينطليزيدا ليكوَلَينةوةيةكي زمانةواني -كوَمةاليةتيية نامةيةكة مجال عبدالرمحان حممد ثيشكةشي بة ئةجنومةندي سكولَي زمان وفاكةليت زانستة مروَظايةتيةكان – زانكوَي سليماني كردووة وةك بةشيَك لة ثيَويستييةكاني وةرطرتين برِوانامةي ماجستيَر لة زماني ئينطليزي و زمانةوانيدا
بة سةرثةرشيت ث.ي.د.صالح حممد ساحل 4102ز
0241ه
4402ك
ثوختة ذمارةيةكى زؤر تويّذينةوةية ئةجنامدراوة لةسةر دياردةي تابو ،بةآلم هيَشتا ضةند بواريَك ماون كة كاريان لةسةر نةكراوة دةربارةي ضةمكي تابو .دةقى بينراو بيسرتاو يةكيَكة لةو بوارانةية و بابةتى ئةم تيَزةية .هةربؤية زؤر ثيَويستة كة لةم ضةمكة بكؤلَريَتةوة و وةالَمى ضةند ثرسياريَك كة رةنطة لةسةر ئةم بابةتة هةبن بدريَتةوة. يةكيَك لةو ثرسيارانة ئةمةية :ئايا رةطةزى قسةكةر و بابةتى دةقةكة كاريطةريان هةية لةسةر جؤر و رِيذةي بة كارهيَناني تابو لة ناو ئةو دةقانةى كة لةم تيَزةدا ليكولينةوةي لة سةر دةكريت.؟ طرميانةى ئةم تويَذينةوةية ئةوةية كة ذنان و ثياوان ليَكضوون و جياوازييان هةية لة رِووي بة كارهيناني تابو و مةبةست لة ثشت بة كارهيناني تابو . بؤ بةدةست هيَنانى ئاماجنةكانى تويَذينةوةكة دوو ريَوشويَن طرياونةتةبةر :تيؤريي و كرداري . ريَكارة تيؤرييةكة برييت يةلة دياريكردنى ضوارضيَوةيةكى تيؤريي بؤ ضةمكي تابو لة زمانى ئينطليزيي كة ئةمانة لة خوَ دةطريَت ثيناسةي دةستةواذةي تابو و ثوَلَينكردني و مةبةست لة بةكارهيَناني و تيَورةكاني تابو. ريَكاري كرداريش ثيَكهاتووة لة مؤديلَيَك بؤ شيكردنةوةى منوونةكان كة دوو فيلمة :فيلميَكى ئاكشن و فيلميَكى كؤميدى ئةمريكايي .شيكردنةوةى ئاماريي زانيارييةكان دةرخيستووة كة لة فيلمى ئاكشنةكة زيادترة لةوةى لة فيلمة كؤميدييةكة هةية. ئةجنامةكان ئةوةش دةردةخةن كة لة هةر دوو فيلمةكةدا ريَذةو ذمارةي بةكارهيناني زياترة لة الي ثياوان تا ذنان. لة سةر رِووشنايي ئةجنامةكة تيَزةكة بة ضةند دةرجناميَكي كوتايي ديَت .
حكومة اقليم كردستان وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي جامعة السليمانية
دراسة اجتماعية -لغوية لتعابري القسم للذكور واالناث يف نصوص مسعية -مرئية انكليزية خمتارة
رسالة مقدمة اىل جملس سكول اللغات -فاكليت العلوم االنسانية -جامعة السليمانية جزءا من متطلبات نيل شهادة املاجيسرت يف اللغة ا النطليزية وعلم اللغة
قدمها مجال عبدالرمحن حممد باشراف
د .صالح حممد صاحل
4102م
0241ه
4402ك
املستخلص هنالك الكثري من الدراسات اليت تتناول مفهوم القسم ,ولكن ميكن القول انه الزال هناك بعض جماالت اللغة اليت مل يتم فيهاحبث مفهوم القسم .ومن هذه اجملاالت اللغوية النصوص السمعية -املرئية اليت تقتصر عليها الدراسة احلالية. لذا فهناك حاجة ماسة و واضحة للبحث يف هذا املوضوع و االجابة على عدد من االسئلة اليت ميكن ان تطرح نفسها يف هذا اجملال .ومن قبيل هذه االسئلة فيما اذا كانت جنس املتكلم و موضوع النص يؤثران على نوع و مدى استعمال تعابري القسم يف هذا النوع من النصوص. وتفرتض الدراسة بان هناك اوجه شبه و اختالف بني الذكور واالناث من حيث التعابري املستخدمة والغرض من القسم. و لغرض حتقيق اهداف الدراسة اتبعت نوعان من االجراءت احداها نظرية واالخرى عملية .وتتمثل االجراءت النظرية ببناء اطار نظري ملفهوم القسم يف اللغة االنكليزية يتضمن التعريف مبصطلح القسم واصل املصطلح و تصنيف القسم و اغراضها باالضافة اىل نظريات القسم. واما االجراءت العملية فتتمثل بتبين منوذج لتحليل الفنية املنتقاة واليت تتالف من فلمني امرييكني احداهما فلم اثارة و االخر فلم فكاهي. واظهر التحليل االحصائي للبيانات بان ظاهرة القسم اكثر شيوعاَ يف ف يلم االثارة من الفلم الفكاهي و ان الذكور اكثر ميال لالستعماهلا يف كالالفلمني .وختلص الدراسة اىل عدد من االستنتاجات يف ضوء نتائج البحث
SUPERVISOR CLARIFICATION I certify that this thesis, which is entitled (A Sociolinguistic Study of Males and Females’ Swearing in Selected English Audio –Visual Texts) by (Jamal Abdulrahman Mohammed) was prepared under my supervision at Sulaimani University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in English Language and Linguistics.
Signature:
Supervisor: Dr. Salah Mohammed Salih Date:
/
/ 2014
In view of the available recommendation, I forward this thesis for debate by the examining committee.
Signature: Name: Dr. Azad Hassan Fattah The Head of the Department of English Language and Literature/School of Languages/Faculty of Humanities/ University of Sulaimani Date:
/
/ 2014
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EXAMINATION COMMITTEE CLARIFICATION We certify that we have read this thesis which is entitled (A Sociolinguistic Study of Males and Females’ Swearing in Selected English Audio –Visual Texts.) and, as an examining committee, have examined the student in its content, and in our opinion, it is adequate as a thesis for the degree of Master of Arts in English Language and linguistics. Signature:
Signature:
Name: Assist. Prof. Dr. Wrya Azaddin Ali Date:
/
Name: Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayad Hameed Mahmood
/ 2014
Date:
Chairman
Member
Signature:
Signature:
Name: Dr. Suhair Safwat Hashim Date:
/
/
/ 2014
Name: Dr. Salah Mohammed Salih
/ 2014
Date:
Member
/
/ 2014
Supervisor
Approved by Council of the School of Languages/Faculty of Humanities/ University of Sulaimani Signature: Name: Dr. Kawan Othman Arif The Head of the School of Languages. Date:
/
/ 2014
II
بسم هللا الرحمن الرحیم ان َ ان َك َ َان يَنْ َز ُغ بَیْن َهُ ْم ۚ ِإ َّن ال َّشیْط َ َ)) َوقُلْ لِ ِعب َ ِادي يَقُولُوا الَّتِ ي ِه َي أَحْ َس ُن ۚ ِإ َّن ال َّشیْط ِ ْلنْ َس ِ ْ ِان ل .(( َع ُد ًّو ا ُم ِبین ًّا
)35: (االسراء
In the name of Allah Tell my worshiper, that they should say words that are the finest, Satan would arouse discord among them: he is the clear enemy of mankind. (Alasra: 53)
III
Dedication
To The memory of my late parents My family With love
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ACKNOWLGEMENTS First of all, I will never forget that this research would have never been accomplished without the help of Allah, after that I would like to thank the presidency of both Germiyan and Sulaimani universities for giving me the golden opportunity to do this interesting project on the topic. I would like to acknowledge and extent my gratitude and respect to my supervisor Dr. Salah Mohammed Salih for his patience and guidance in helping me to finish my thesis. Special gratitude is due to Dr. Mohammed Hussein of Germiyan University for his assistance and facilities he has given me during writing the project. Special thanks are due to Dr. Azad Hassan Fattah the head of English department of Sulaimani University for helping and encouraging me at the beginning of this work. Special thanks are due to Dr. Jalal saadullah the head of English department of Germiyan University for helping me and providing me with some sources. I would also like to thanks all those who supported me during writing this project. I also extend my thanks to my family for their warm, kind, love and their vital encouragement and support.
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ABSTRACT
There have been an increasing number of studies that have tackled the concept of swearing, yet it still can be argued that some areas are almost virgin in terms of swearing. Among these areas is the audio-visual text with which the present study is concerned. Thus there is an obvious need to tackle this concept and provide answers to questions like: whether or not speaker’s gender and the theme of the text influence the type and frequency of swearing strategy employed in the texts under study. The study hypothesizes that males and females show similarities and differences in terms of the devices they use and the functions behind their swearing. To achieve the aims of the study, two types of procedures have been followed: theoretical and practical. The theoretical procedure consists of presenting a theoretical framework of swearing in English including its definition, etymology, classification, function, aspects and theories of swearing. The practical procedure consists of the adoption of a model for the analysis of the selected sample which consists of two American films: an action and comedy. The statistical analysis of the data has shown that swearing is more frequent in the action than the comedy film. Results have also shown that in both films, males tend to swear more frequently than females.
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LIST OF FIGURES
No
Page
1. Folk Classification of Swearing
32
2. Rothwell’s Classification of Swearing Functions.
36
3. The Adopted Model
56
VII
LIST OF TABLES
No
Page
1. Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Types in (8 mile) film
67
2. Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Functions in 8 Mile film
66
3. Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Types in (Nutty Professor)
111
4. Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Function in Nutty Professor
120
5. Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Types According to Gender in the First and Second Films
132
6. The Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Functions According to gender in the First and Second Film
134
7. The Frequency and Percentage of Swearing According to Gender in the action and comedy film.
135
VIII
TABLE OF CONTENTS Quranic Verse.……………………………………. …………………….ΙΙΙ Dedication…………………………………………………..…………….ΙV Acknowledgments...…………………………………………..………….V Abstract …………………………………….……………………………VΙ List of Figures …………………………………….…..…………………VΙΙ List of Tables ……………………………………………………………VΙΙΙ Table of Contents…………………………………………………………ΙX Chapter One: Introduction 1.1 The Problem ………………………………………………………….1 1.2 The Hypotheses …………………………………………..………......2 1.3 The Aims of the Study…………………………………………...…...2 1.4 The Procedures…………………………………………………...…...2 1.5 The Scope ………………………………………………………...…..3 1.6 The Significance …………………………………………………......3 Chapter Two: Swearing in Language 2.1 Definition of Swearing ………………………………………….…...4-11 2.2 A Historical Background ………………………………..…….…...11-14 2.3 Aspects of Swearing.........................................................................14 2.3.1 Linguistic Aspect of Swearing………………………………...….….14 2.3.1.1Taboo words……………………………………………………..15-22 2.3.1.2 Obscenity………………………………………………….……22-23 2.3.2 Psychological Aspect of Swearing………..………………………20-21 2.3.3 Socio-Cultural Aspect of Swearing………………………………..…25 2.3.4 Neurological Aspect of Swearing……………………………….…....26 2.3.5 Pragmatic Aspects of Swearing…………………………………..26-29 2.4 Classification of Swearing……………………………………………. 30 2.4.1 Liedlich’s Classification (1973) …………………………...………...30 2.4.2 Rothwell’s Classification (1973)…………………………….…...…31 2.4.3 Anderson and Hirsh’s Classification………………………....…31-32 2.4.4 Trudgill’s Classification (198)..………………………....................33 2.4.5Wardhaugh’s Classification (1986) ……………………….…….......33 2.4.6 Hughes’s Classification (1991) …………………………….…….....33 2.4.7 Montagu's Classification (2001) ……………………………………34 2.4.8 Allan and Burridge’s Classification (2006) …….…………….….....34 IX
2.5 Functions of Swearing……………………………………………......35 2.6.1 Rothwell’s Classification of Swearing Function (1973……………...35 2.6.2 Hussein Classification of swearing (2009)……………….……..……36 2.6.3 Why People Swear? ……………………………………….........37-39 2.7 Expressiveness of Swearing……………………………………….39-40 2.7.1 Degree of Offensiveness…………………………….……………40-43 2.8 Sociolinguistic of aspect Swearing……..…………………………..…43 2.8.1 Language and Gender……………………………………….……44-45 2.8.2 Gender and Swearing……………………………………………..46-48 2.9 Swearing as a Speech Act……………………………………….....48-50 2.9-1 Hymes ‘SPEAKING’ Theory…………………………………….50-53 2.10 Previous Studies………………………………………………………52 2.10.1 Jimmy’s study (1995)…………………………………………........52 2.10.2 Oie’s Study (2003)……………………………………………....52-53 Chapter Three: Model and Method of Analysis 3.1 Adopted Model ………………………………………….….……...54-56 3.2 Method of Analysis………………………………………..….........57-59 3.3 Data for Analysis…………………………………………..….……60-64 Chapter Four: Analysis of the Selected Texts 4.1 Analysis of the First Film (8 Mile)……………………………………..65 4.1.1 Introductory Background ………………………………………..65-66 4.1.2 Categories and Functions of Swearing in (8mile) film………….. 66-68 4.1.2.1 Copulative Terms…………………………………………….....69-82 4.1.2.2 Excretory Terms………………………………………………...83-89 4.1.2.3 Mother-in-Law-Terms……………..………………………...…89-93 4.1.2.4 Sexual Irregularities Terms……………………………………..93-95 4.1.2.5 Anatomical Term…………………………………………….....95-96 4.1.2.6 Animal Terms…………………………………………………..96-97 4.1.2.7 Religious Terms………………………………………………...97-98 4.1.2.8 Death Terms…………………………………………………….98-99 4.1.2.9 Racial Terms…………………………………………………..99-100 4.2. Analysis of the Swearing in ‘Nutty Professor’ Film. 4.2.1 Introductory Background………………………………………......101 4.2.2 Categories and Functions of Swearing in second Film…………….101 4.2.2.1 Anatomical Terms…………………………………………....10-109 4.2.2.2 Death Terms………………………………………………….109-111 4.2.2.3 Excretory Terms……………………………………………...111-113 4.2.2.4 Religious Terms……………………………………………...113-114 4.2.2.5 Animal Terms…………………………………………………….115 4.2.2.6 Sexual Irregularities Terms……………………………………….116 X
4.2.2.7 Genital Terms………………………………………….……….....117 4.2.2.8 Imbecilic Terms ……………………………………………..118-120 4.2.2.9 Mother-in-Law Terms………………………………………….…120
Chapter Five: Results Analysis 5.1 Analysis of the First Film………………………………………121-127 5.2 Analysis of the Second Film……………………………………..127-130 5.3 Comparison of the Two Films in Terms of Swearing…………..131-135 Chapter Six: Conclusions and Suggestions for Further Research 6.1 Conclusions………………………………………………….…...136-137 6.2 Suggestions for Further Research……………….………….….……..137 Bibliography ……………………………………………………….. 138-144
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CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1. The P roblem As it is known, swearing is an important phenomenon in the human beings daily life. Almost no day passes without uttering or hearing a swearing expression. Swearing as a social phenomenon has recently attracted the attention of many scholars in different areas such as linguistics, stylistics, rhetoric, pragmatics, psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics with which this study is concerned. There is an increasing number of studies which have tackled swearing. It can be argued, however, that some investigation areas are, to a large extent, still virgin in terms of swearing. Among these areas are the audio-visual texts which are tackled in this study, as it is felt that a number of questions are still unanswered. Below are some of these questions: Are there any gender differences in swearing in audio-visual texts in English? If yes, are they due to the nature and theme of audio-visual texts;? Are there gender differences in the functions of swearing in audio visual texts? Does the tenor of the texts influence the types and the functions of swearing in these texts? And do males and females use swearing for similar purposes? Does the concept of swearing differ from one society or speech community or from historical period to another? How?
1
2. The Hypotheses It is hypothesized that: a. Males and females manifest similarities and differences in terms of the swearing devices they use, frequency of swearing expressions, and their functions.
b. The setting and theme of the audio-visual text decide the frequency of swearing types and their functions.
c. The tenor of the text influence the type of swearing expression used and their functions.
3. The Aims The study aims at finding out: a. The similarities and differences between males and females’ swearing in terms of the devices used, and function. b. The similarities and differences between males and females’ swearing in different text types. c. The frequency of the use of swearing types, and functions in these texts. d. The reason behind the variation, if any, between males and females in terms of the points mentioned above.
4. The Procedures To achieve the aims of the study and verify the hypotheses, the steps below will be followed:
2
a. Presenting a theoretical framework on swearing including its definition, etymology, classifications, devices used, and functions. b. Adopting a model of analysis based on the theoretical framework; c. Selecting sample of English audio-visual texts. d. Analyzing the selected texts and evaluating the results. e. Drawing conclusions and suggestions for further studies based on the results of the study.
5. The Scope The present study is limited to the study of bad informal use of swearing term or dirty words, particularly in the two selected films “the fiction comedy film and action film.
6. The Significance It is hoped that the findings of this study will be useful for those interested in sociolinguistic. It can also be useful for those interested in the pragmatic and discoursal analysis of audio-visual texts. The findings can also be beneficial to translators of movies.
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CHAPTER TWO SWEARING IN LANGUAGE
2.1 Definitions of Swearing Swearing plays an important role in language throughout the world. It has become a part of our daily discourse. This is because many swear words and vocabularies are used by speakers every day. Swearing is generally viewed as a wide spread phenomenon which has been defined differently by different language specialists, linguists and scholars. Some types of swearing appear to be universal, while others are more culturespecific. Briefly, swearing has two meanings: the first is to promise or to keep a secret, and the second is to curse or to describe rudely which the concern of this study is. Therefore, there are different definitions and points of view of swearing. There are some commonsense definitions about swearing. Language speakers believe that it is self-evident and thus, they do not worry about what swearing is. For them, swearing is one of the cultural categories embodied in language. They either describe it in terms of bad or religious language. They present examples of what they consider swearwords and under what circumstances they could be used. Montague (1967:3) Lexicographically speaking, swearing has been defined differently by Oxford English Dictionaries) OED, 1989:361).The Oxford Dictionary of Synonyms and Anatomy defines swearing as "informal bad language, blasphemy, curse, excretion, expletive, obscenity or profanity." The Oxford 4
English Dictionary defines swearing as “to utter a form of oath lightly or disrespectfully, as a mere intensive, or an expression of anger, annoyance or the strong feeling to utter profane oath or use profane language habitually; more widely, to use bad language. (ibid: 367) Some scholars have defined swearing as an item that refers to a particular type of linguistic behavior, as it has got various denotations by English dictionaries. It has also been defined in different ways by different linguists and scholars. This is why swearing is seen as "referring to three different types of profanity, blasphemy and obscenity.” Crystal (1992: 381) Profanity is relatively a mild notion. The choice of language conveys disrespect for what people hold sacred, usually something private or religious. Blasphemy is much more serious, being the expression of obvious disrespect towards the divine. Obscenity is a language which arouses disgust, because of its cruel reference to sexual functions. All of these are loosely included under the heading of swearing or bad language. In terms of profanity and blasphemy, Jay (1992: 3) defines profanity as the use of “religious terminology in a profane, secular or indifferent manner.” There is no intention on the speaker's part to show disrespect for God or anything associated with religion. Rather, the speaker may be expressing his or her emotional reaction to a certain stimulus. Examples in this case would be Jesus Christ! Let’s go; we are late as it is or Good God! He’s ugly! Blasphemy on the other hand, is a deliberate use of religious terms to denigrate God, religious icons, and religious institutions. Moreover, Eric Pement (1998: 4) defines swearing as “the use of profanity, obscenity or vulgar language. Not just taking God name in vain, but also using profane 5
names for God, Christ, sexuality, excretory functions or other people.” Anderson & Trudgill (1992:53) define swearing in three different ways as: (a) it refers to something taboo in a given culture; (b) something should not be interpreted literally; and (c)it can be used to express strong emotions and attitudes. Aman (1993: 7) defines swearwords as stressful, angry and other emotionally charged situation. Hughes (1991:6) on the other hand, defines swearing as “the item which is especially used if one would like to insult, curse, offend something, and even to emphasize their feelings.” In terms of feelings, Crystal (1987: 10) defines swearing as words used for emotional expression especially when one is angry, making no attempt to define them from other emotive forms in language because feeling can be anger, intimacy, annoyance or joke. From a mere sociological standpoint, Wardhaugh (1986: 230) states that “swearing is one way in which a society express its disapproval of certain kinds of behavior believed to be harmful to its members, either for supernatural reasons or because such behavior is held to violate a moral code.” Linguistically, Allan and Burridge (2006: 40) state that “swearing refers to words or expressions such as those used to describe sex, our bodies and their functions and those used to insult other people. Further, Rothwell (cited in Liedlich, 1973:108) states that ''verbal obscenity is defined as a type of swearing which uses offensive words and phrases, and those words should not be spoken in society.” Similarly, Montagu, (1973:10) (as cited in Bailey and Tim, 1976: 100), defines swearwords as “all words possessing or capable of being given an emotional weight.” Moreover, and according to 6
Trudgill (1983: 29) taboo words that are used as swearwords occur in most languages. Swearwords are associated with things that are not said in particular with words and expression that are not used. To Liedlich (1973: 107) swearing is "those words which are viewed as rude and offensive. They should not be spoken because they are commonly not suitable with religion or custom in a civilized society.” Swearing is a subset of a language lexicon that is considered forbidden to be used. It can show strong emotion or a humiliation of someone or something. It can take the form of words, expressions, gestures, or other social behavior that are interpreted as insulting, rude, vulgar, obscene, foul, violating other form. Based on the above definition, Taylor (1976: 43) states that there is one misunderstanding with this definition; it fails to account for the perception of many speakers that a word such as ‘cunt’ is a swearword whether it is being literally bad or not. Limbrick (1991:79) states that “swearing resists concrete definition; exactly what constitutes a swearword is generally determined by social codes.” For Ljung (2011:3) swearing is “the use of offensive language, especially in anger”. He also believes that swearing has four criteria. First swearing is the use of utterances containing taboo words. Secondly the taboo words are used with non-literal meaning. Thirdly any utterances that constitute swearing are subject to severe lexical, phrasal and syntactic constraints which suggest that most swearing qualifies as formulaic language. Fourth swearing is emotive language: its main function is to reflect, or seem to reflect, the speaker’s feelings and attitudes.
7
According to Montagu (1973: 53) (as cited in Bailey and Tim, 1976: 100), swearing is only defined in terms of lexical items. What is strange is not the existence of such assumptions about swearing among these speakers. These attitudes are often carried over into academic studies of swearing which assume that what is, and what is not; swearing is naturally obvious and requires no examination. Wierzbicka (1991: 576), on the other hand, views swearing as “a type of speech act and often a reflection of an emotional attitude”. Moreover, Jay (1992: 1) states that, “swearing is the more basic notion in the relevant area and one that is more commonly used”. He believes that “there are cross cultural differences in using swearwords even between speakers of the same language.” For example black people in America use swearing more frequently than white people. Anderson and Hirsch (1985: 5) argue that there are three important points that must be present in defining swearing. First it should be used in non-technical sense. For example the word Jesus in this expression, 'the life and teachings of Jesus form the basis of Christianity' is not a swearword, but becomes one when used in an exclamation like ‘Jesus fucking Christ!’ Second any word must refer to a taboo subject. The word ‘motherfucker’ is anything connected with incest, taboo in most cultures and languages. For example this expression ‘he is a real mother’ does not contain any taboo words, but it refers to taboo subject and can be regarded as swearing. Thirdly the word will be swearword if it is used in an emotive way. There are three conditions for a word or an expression to be classified as a swearword: it refers to taboo and stigma in a culture; it is not supposed to be interpreted literally; it can be used to manifest strong emotions and attitudes. 8
Swearing often involves the use of four letters words like ‘fuck’, ‘shit’. In addition to the negative aspects of swearing it can be used also as a means for adding emphasis to that one says. He also argues that the word ‘bitch’ is not a swearword, it refers to a female dog but it is highly a swearing when uttering it to a female colleague at work. Concerning the connotation and denotation of swearing, Jay (1999: 136) states that swearing expressions or words differ from other words when it comes to denotation and connotation. It is difficult, however, to separate the connotation of a word from its denotation. When we hear or see a word, the denotative meaning comes to mind and we cannot stop the connotations that come with it. Swearwords are different from other words because the connotative meaning dominates over the denotative meaning. It is not easier to separate these aspects of meaning in swearwords than in other words. Nevertheless, curse words are not limited to connotation; they also have denotative uses. For example: the word ‘fox’ denotes a kind of a wild animal and it can be connoting a cunning person. Comparatively speaking connotation is more flexible and it is the connotation of a word that convinces the speaker to use the word most of the time. Connotative meaning can be positive or negative as Lakoff, (2004: 51) (as cited in Anna, 2008: 6) says that “when a word acquired a bad connotation by association with something unpleasant or embarrassing, people look for substitutes that do not have uncomfortable effect.” This substitution is called euphemism which is used to avoid something taboo.
9
Moreover Jay (1999:152) (as cited in Anna, 2008: 6) argues that “not all negative connotations will be eliminated, sometimes taboo words also used denotatively in humor, vulgarity, sexual talk, and colloquial conversation." Swearing consists of four categories. Namely, swearing can belong to either the expletive, abusive, humorous or auxiliary category. The expletive is the first category where swearing is used to express emotions and is not directed to someone special or other people. Examples are hell! Shit! and Goddamn! In contrast to expletive category is the abusive category which is directed to other people derogatory and involves name calling and diverse types of cursing. 'You asshole', 'go to hell' and other examples. Thirdly is the humorous category which is directed to others but apart from the abusive category, humorous category is not derogatory. Humorous swearing takes mostly the form of abusive swearing but has the opposite functions where the playfulness is the key and not the offensiveness; for example, get your ass in gear. The last category is the auxiliary one which is not directed to any one or thing. People utilize swearwords in conversation because they have no other words at disposal. According to Hughes (1984: 4) “people used to swear by but today it is more common to swear at.” Also important is that the usage of taboo today can reveal divisions within a society. Namely that there might be different conventions based on class, position, sex and age. Moreover Coats (2004:101) states that powerful and rich people are said to swear and use less taboo language than poor and powerless people. The reason for this is because rich and powerful people are surrounded by high prestige language and must therefore also use that language themselves while the poor and powerless people use more non-standard, low prestige, language. 10
In general, swearing can be defined as the use of vulgar language by someone for various reasons or with no reason. Sometimes people give a negative response to the strange expressions that they have never heard before: (fuck, shit, bitch). Concerning the definition of swearing it sounds that the simplest one is the definition by Hughes (1991: 6) that views swearing as “the item which is especially used if one would like to insult, curse, offend someone, and even to emphasize their feelings.”
2.2 A Historical Background Many scholars and specialists believe that the study of the notion of swearing was for a long time a neglected research area. Increasing attention has been paid to this notion during the 1960s by some scholars like Sagarin (1968) and Montagu (1967) that is why Crawford (1995: 22) states that linguists, scholars, psychologists, and communicative researchers started in the early 1970s to focus on the study of swearing. It has been noted that probably some fifty years ago, studying a subject like swearing would have been almost impossible to write on because taboo and swearwords were forbidden even in lexicography. So many studies like Jay (1977), Van Lanker and Cummings (1999) had a psycholinguistic and neurolinguistic basis. There are also other studies which have taken a linguistic, sociolinguistic, or historical view of swearing such as Taylor (1975) and McEnery (2006) and others. Most of the studies were not intended as overall accounts for swearing as they focused on particular aspects of swearing which they found interesting. For this reason, scholars have studied and taken swearing for granted as a linguistic, psychological, social and neurological category in its own right. 11
According to Green (2004: 62) there are three stages of swearing in modern English. The first stage is euphemism for blasphemy. This stage started around the 16th century. There are some examples of the swearwords of this stage: God blind me, bloody by our lady, etc. The second stage started around the 18th century. The blasphemy at this stage lost its potency because there was an effort from England to purify the language from taboo words. Therefore, the use of the words for parts of body and what people do with that became a taboo word, such as cock, cunt, etc. The last stage has started later in the 20thcentury. At this stage, the swearwords are more racist and sexist. It happened because young people have become less concerned with the traditional swearwords such as (Niger). According to Kaye & Sapolsky (2004: 911), swearing has existed throughout the human history, yet it has recently lost much of its status as a taboo linguistic practice, becoming more commonplace in everyday discourse as well as on network television. Further, Cressman, et al (2009:1) have found that nearly three fourths of poll respondents reported that they hear profanity more often than in years past and some two thirds perceive that swearing has become more common in society. Moreover Glover (2008: 76) states that “adolescent use of swearing has increased over the past ten years with the average youth approximately ninety swear words per day.” Some linguists refer to obscenity and language taboo as swearing that is why I shed light on some definitions of these two terms as well as the etymology of the most common swearwords used in the two selected films. The most common swearwords that are used by people in English society probably date back to Anglo-Saxon period of England.
12
According to Mercury (1995: 28-33) the word shit comes from languages with a Germanic background in the 11th century. The word ‘shit' is derived from the Anglo- Saxon word 'secttan’ as a reference to when the cattle had diarrhea, which was then gradually changed to ‘shit’ to express anger in a certain situation. According to Wikipedia, Free Encyclopedia (2014) swearword ‘fuck’ is said to have come from the German word ‘ficken’ and the Middle Dutch word “fukka”. The first recorded example being only in 1503. The use of fuck and its variant forms as swearwords and terms of abuse is relatively recent, dating from the early decades of the twentieth century. The racial term ‘nigger’ has been in use since the 18th century as an expression of disrespect. The history of word ‘nigger’ can be traced to the Latin word ‘Niger’ which means ‘black’. This word becomes noun ‘negro’ that means (black person) in English. Nodaway this term is used as a common ethnic slur usually directed at a black of sub-Sahara A African descent (ibid). By the mid-1800s, nigger was one of the most offensive racial insults in American English. Hughes (2006: 326). Bitch is a term for the female of a canine in general. It is also frequently used as an offensive term for an unpleasant person, especially a woman. Since the 1980s, the term bitch became more and more acceptable and less offensive after the word was widely used in the drama dynasty. According to Hughes (2006: 441) Son of bitch as a term was originally used only of despicable male, it now highly generalized. It was first recorded in 1330 in the variants form ‘bitch –son’. The term was used by people as an abusive term in 1774 in the form of ‘son of bitch.' 13
Asshole is another term which is also frequently used in everyday language. According to OED (2013: 36) this term has been used since the 11th century to refer to ass of animal. Starting roughly around the 14th century it was used to refer to a person’s buttock. The metaphorical use that refers to the worst place in the region is; for example, the asshole of the world. Nowadays the term ‘ass’ or asshole’ are used for swearing at someone or something. Motherfucker is another term that is used to insult someone. The term was used during the second world war , originally amongst American soldiers or it is thought to be originally during slavery era in the US. Hell is derived from Old Norse Hel, the godless of the realm of the dead and the underworld in Scandinavian mythology. However, it appears as ‘hell’ in old English about 725. Hell is only used literally in Anglo-Saxon. The term hell is used for swearing as in this phrase ‘what the hell’. Although Goddamn is now regarded as American in usage, its origin lies in English. It is first found in medieval age as a hostile term used to designate the English. English is called goddamn language by French people, because of the frequent used of swear like 'goddamn' in their daily conversation.
2.3 Aspects of Swearing 2.3.1 Linguistic Aspects of Swearing Swearing may be a universal trait of human nature as people tend to swear to varying degree in all cultures. In this study some aspects of swearing will be analyzed which are the nature of taboo language, obscenity and the reason behind swearing by people in the two selected samples. In addition to linguistic function there are other aspects which may influence 14
the use of swearing such as neurological aspects, psychological aspects and socio-cultural aspects of swearing (Anderson, 2004:78 cited in Mattson, 2006:34).
2.3.1.1 Taboo Words Taboo words are not new words in society; they are part of human behavior that represents meanings, as L. Jung (2011: 9) states “the word taboo is first borrowed from Tongan, Polynesian language in which it refers to acts that are forbidden or to be avoided." The term taboo is said to have been introduced in English language by Captain James Cook during his visit to Polynesian Island Tongan in 1777 where he observed that certain actions were considered forbidden or certain topics could be not spoken because of their sacredness Cook and Anderson use taboo (tabu) to describe the behavior of Polynesian towards things that were not to be done, seen or touched. According to Allan & Burridge (2006: 4) “taboo is prohibition of behavior that affects every life and can be classified into several points," these are: 1. Bodies and their effluvia (sweat, snot, feces, and menstrual fluid). 2. The organs and acts of sex and defecation. 3. Diseases, death and killing (including hunting and fishing.) 4. Naming, addressing, touching and viewing persons and sacred beings, preparation and consumption. Taboo can be divided into two areas of interest: taboo acts and taboo words. Between these two areas, there is the possibility of a correlation, but not always. According to Hindayani (2007: 15) the concept taboo includes things that are avoided as normal course of action. Taboo includes: a. Holy things or persons. b. A forbidden cause of the meaning of taboo. c. Holiness caused prohibition of something forbidden.
15
In this regard, Wardhaugh (2002:61) states that “taboo is related to culture meaning which is expressed in language. Another definition is given by Nada (2011: 3) who believes that taboo language is “any word or phrase or a topic that if mentioned in public causes embarrassment and feeling of shame or provokes a sense of shock, and it is offending to hearer’s sensibilities or his beliefs." Moreover, the OED (2010: 34) defines taboo as “a social custom prohibiting or restricting a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place or thing” while Fairman (2009: 77) says that “within every culture there is a taboo behavior and taboo words.” Behavior is the thing you are not supposed to do while words are things you are not supposed to say. According to Anderson and Trudgill (1995: 53) “there are some things not supposed to be done as well as words not supposed to be said, ‘motherfucker’ is just one example of this." They also believe that in western societies taboo can relate to different things. Taboo can relate to sex such as ‘fuck’ and to religion like ‘for God’s sake’, bodily functions as piss, ethnic group such as ‘nigger’ and death like ‘burn in hell. They also point out clearly that taboo can differentiate between different cultures. In northern Australia, for example, some tribes are not allowed to utter a dead man’s name because it is taboo (ibid: 53). On the idea of language taboo, Mohr (2013: 49) thinks that taboo language arises from social taboos, therefore the social attitudes surrounding certain concepts, ideas infuse the meaning of certain words, charging their connotation; for example, the word bitch used to refer to the a female dog but nowadays the term refers to promiscuous women and it is used for different purposes and functions. 16
According to Trudgill (2000:18) taboo refers to something, prohibited, and he describes taboo as ‘behavior’ which is believed to be supernaturally forbidden or regarded as immoral or improper. And in terms of language, “taboo is associated with things which are not said.” Widely speaking, taboo is a broaden conception which could be divided into cursing, profanity, blasphemy, obscenity, insults, sexual harassment, vulgar language (ibid). Furthermore Thomas (1995:25), uses the term 'cursing' to define taboo language as offensive language which falls into several categories: epithets, profanity, blasphemy, name calling, insulting, verbal aggression, taboo speech, ethnic racial slurs, vulgarity, slang and scatology. Similarly, Battistella (2005: 38) defines taboo language as offensive language which falls in to several categories: epithets, profanity, vulgarity, and obscenity”. Actually these types of taboo language cannot be separated completely, they are always interwoven. For examples, when you curse someone you are probably insulting him/her at the same time. According
to
Pinker(2008:325)
“swearing,
cursing,
obscenity,
blasphemy, vulgarity, expletives and for-letter words are all included in taboo language." He says that taboo words vary from language to language. He points out that in most languages taboo words are drawn from similar topics such as sex, excretion, religion, death, disease. Moreover, Jay (2009: 152) believes that taboo words are synonymous with swearwords and included in the lexicon of offensive emotional language.
17
Taking another perspective, Wierzbicka says that "the notion of swearing is a deliberately bad act designed for emotional expression.” He also states that swearwords express a particular meaning and a particular attitude towards someone, something or event. He also says that "swearing is a propensity in each person just like a horn built in a car.” (as cited in Kidman, 1993: 78) Taboo words, according to Trudgill (1983: 29), can be viewed as being “concerned with the behavior which is believed to be supernaturally forbidden, or regarded as immoral or improper; it deals with behavior which is prohibited or inhibited in an apparently irrational manner.” In relation to a language, he says that taboo is “associated with things which are not said, and in particular with words and expression which are not used.” So, taboo words are those words that are held by some people to be better avoided because they imply realities that are harsh or vulgar. Generally the types of words that are taboo show the values and beliefs of the society itself. Thus, a word that might be taboo in a certain society may not have the same impact in other societies. In some communities, the word magic plays an important part in religion, like ‘bloody’, for example in England, the word bloody was a taboo word because it originally referred to the blood of Christ. (Ibid: 30) This is why Fromkin & Rodman (1983: 26) state that “there was the reason why anyone who breaks this taboo will be executed.” However, in different parts of the world, taboo words include more about copulative terms, bodily function, and animal terms. The same point could be found about how tabooed a word could be. It seems that, some words were 18
considered more taboo than others, for example in Romance Catholic; the strongest taboos might be related to religion, while in English speaking countries, it might be related to sex. For a long time, the use of taboo words had already been socially avoided. Sagarin (1968: 59) states that “it was the American campaign against the word ‘cock’ that caused Amos Bronson Alcox to change his name” and he also pointed out that the desire to avoid a word that might call attention to the penis caused nineteenth century America to say rooster rather than cock. The use of words, such as ‘fuck’ and ‘cunt’ could also lead to trial and even imprisonment, and they were not widely used in newspaper. A taboo word that was shocking when it was first used in the past is less dramatic than it is today. According to Trudgill (1983: 30) “taboo words are frequently used as swearwords, which are in turn powerful.” The use of taboo words especially in television and newspaper brought a great shock and provoked violent reaction. Furthermore, Mariana (2013:1) argues that many researchers in their studies about using swearwords by English people, arrived at the point that the generations use the same amount of swearwords when speaking, but there are different types for swearwords that they use. Young people use English swearwords and expletives from the taboo area 'lower bodily functions' whereas the middle aged and older generations use rephrased swearwords and religious swearing.
19
According to Apte (1994: 77) the language taboos can be grouped into four types: (i)
Swear or curse words, i.e. words which when uttered involve damnation, misfortune, or disrespect of the targeted object or person for example shoot the dame dog.
(ii)
Obscene words, i.e. words referring to sexual organs and acts for example fucking mother fucker.
(iii)
Four-lettered words, which are only acceptable in English, with example of acceptable English obscenities being words such as "cunt", "fuck", "shit", and "cock", such words only having four letters in their spelling.
(iv)
Dirty words, i.e. words that refer to sexual organs, acts and scatological substances (menstruation, urine, feces, spittle). For example ‘don’t say shit about me’.
On the other hand, Jay (1992: 2-3) (as cited in Mercury, 1995:30) categorizes language taboos into seven types: (i)
Taboo or obscene language - these are expressions restricted from public use, such as "fuck" and "bitch"; “You little bitch”.
(ii)
Blasphemy - the use of religious terminology to denigrate God and religious institutions, symbols and so on for example “fucking Christ”
(iii)
Profanity - the use of religious expressions and terminology in an unrespectable manner. The intention of the speaker is not to denigrate God or anything associated with religion but may be rather to express emotional 20
reactions towards certain stimulus. For example, Jesus Christ! Let’s go; we're late as it is. (iv)
Insults and radical slurs - verbal attacks on other people by denoting the physical, mental or psychological qualities
of the
victims,
e.g.
coconut head
(for
unintelligent person), monkey (for ugly person); (v)
Expletives-emotional words that are in the form of interjections, and that are not directed to anyone specifically, but are used by speakers to release frustration and emotion; e.g. fucking car!
(vi)
Vulgarisms-crude or raw expressions which are regarded as distasteful and offensive. They are used to devalue the thing or individual referred to or described; for example “she is a real cunt”
(vii) Cursing and Slang - this is usually developed by social groups to identify and solidify in-group members. For example Niger we need something. According to Hughes (1991: 10) and McEnery (2006: 40) the use of taboo words to swear has become common phenomenon in English society especially by young people. The use of swearwords is not restricted only to spoken conversations, but also it can be found in written works. According to Hughes (1999: 23) bad language was not used freely in written form.
21
The lines below were written about 1790 in a satirical poem by St G. Tucker called ‘The Discontented Student’. Our scholar every night Thinks of his books and of his bride by light. “G – D –your books!” the testy father said, “I’d not give a fuck for all you’ve read. The last line suggests a first example of the common coarse phrase “not give a fuck”. The use of swearword is also reflected in William Black’s poem ‘Jerusalem’. And did those feet in ancient time Walk upon England’s bollocks green? And was the holy Lamb of God On England pleasant pasture’s seen? The taboo words are used to swear step by step. In English society only males were permitted to use taboo words while females were not allowed to use these terms for swearing. Social and religious factors prevented people from using swearwords, especially females.
2.3.1.2 Obscenity Many people have attempted to define obscenity in relation to swearing. To start with, the American Heritage Dictionary (2009: 77) refers to obscenity as: 1. The state or quality of being obscene. 2. Indecency, lewdness, or offensiveness in behavior, expression, or appearance. 3. Something, such as a word, act, or expression, that is indecent or lewd. 4. Something that is offensive or repulsive to the senses. To Montage (2001: 105) obscenity is “a form of swearing that makes use of indecent words and phrase.” Moreover, Battistella (2005: 38), more specifically, states that obscenity as a term "refers to words or expressions 22
which characterize sex differentiating anatomy or sexual and excretory function in a crude way such as ‘shit’ and ‘fuck’.” To Liedlich (1973: 108) obscenity is “a type of swearing which uses indecent words or phrases, and the words should not be spoken in the society.” People view words as negative as the words in verbal obscenities are categorized as taboo words. Obscenity has various categories including copulative terms, excretory terms, human genital terms, sexual terms, and animal terms. Obscenity has five purposes which are creating attention, discrediting, provoking violent confrontation, creating strong personal identification, providing catharsis and term endearment. Moreover, and according to Hughes (2006: 331) obscene or obscenity in the earlier times in English cultural history had basically the sense of religious violation. The emphases on sexual immorality or extreme vulgarity are basically modern interpretations dating from only 18 th centuries. However, in the last two centuries, taboos have moved from religious to sexual and racial areas. Considering the impact of the concept of ‘obscenity and obscene has had on modern culture, the terms are comparatively recent in the history of language and still no one can give a concrete definition of the term obscenity. Because what is considered obscene depends on many variables relating to age, culture, personal preferences and notion of taboo , it is obvious that obscenity is not a term capable of exact legal definition; in the practice of the courts, it means anything that shocks the magistrate.
23
2.3.2 Psychological Aspects of Swearing Psychological factors most directly associated with swearing are trait anger, sexual anxiety, and verbal aggressiveness (Jay and Janschewitz, 2008: 271). Gender plays an important role in swearing as boys and girls are socialized differently. The coping strategies of male and female differ to a degree, which affects the frequency of use of swearing. For example, cultural norms for the expression of anger or aggression vary according to gender and thus female and male use these emotions differently. Males are more likely than females to swear when frustrated or angry, while females are more likely than males to view swearing in anger as loss of control and realize that swearing might put at risk their relationships with others. Moreover, swearing depends on the gender of the speaker and the gender of listeners, that is, male and female swear at roughly the same rate but males use more offensive language than females, especially in company of other males. The status and gender play a powerful role in swearing. There are differences in occupation as a function of status; for example, people who have higher position in society are expected to swear less than lower status personal, (Jay, 1992: 273). Concerning gender role in swearing most people swear more in company with the same gender than in mixed crowds. Further, males are more likely to swear in public than female, that male use more offensive words than female, and that both female and male are more likely to swear in same sex contexts than in mixed sex context. Age has also a great influence on the kinds of swearwords one uses to swear. Young children use words such as Friday cat or 'pooh-pooh' that will later drop out of adolescent and adults swearing lexicons. Children are more sensitive to mild taboo words such as fort, dork, and wimp than adults, who 24
find mild words inoffensive. Adolescents are more sensitive than young children to the multiple meanings of taboo words such as baby, pig or balls. Adult are more likely than children to draw on abstract, symbolic, and political aspects of experience, as in the use of damned Nazi or sexist bastard, (Jay, 1992 as cited in Jay & Janschewitz, 2008: 272). The use of swearing is not mere human being nature but it is a process of acquisition by which people learn how to swear. So the environment in which people live has a great influence on people to learn swearing.
2.3.3 Socio-Cultural Aspects of Swearing Socio-cultural influences on swearing vary from culture to culture and take some time and experience within a culture to be fully appreciated. Swearing is influenced by contextual variables such as the speaker-listener relationship, including gender, occupation and status, and the socialphysical setting of the communication with respect to whether the swearing takes place in a public or private location. So by these variables one can determine the appropriateness or inappropriateness of swearing (Allan & Burridge, 2006: 36). Thus the appropriateness of an utterance in a given situation depends on the topic of conversation. For example people feel difficulty when they converse about taboo topics such as sex; people often say that ‘we make love’ instead of saying ‘we fuck’. Regarding the likelihood of swearing in the social and physical location of the dialogue, people are more likely to swear in relaxed environments than they do in formal environments. To evaluate swearing as a function of context, Jay (1992: 13) explains that the swearing can be heard in the location populated by students like dorms and pub, more than in the academic offices. 25
Social-cultural
knowledge
regarding
swearing,
rudeness,
or
impoliteness is acquired as the product of living in a culture and contacting different communities of practice, which reward, punish or are in different to offensive speech. Reactions to swearing are marked by power and status relationships; for example, the indigenous adolescent males in Australia are not allowed to use offensive word such as ‘fuck’ or ‘cunt’ while policemen are free to use it in public. Moreover, in some indigenous communities in Australian swearing in front of one’s mother is not regarded rude while in western societies swearing in front of parents is regarded rude (ibid: 274). Jay (1992:275) says that through the cultural experience people learn what words are considered polite or impolite in particular situations. Wedding ceremonies or church services are considered formal situations in which people are prevented to use swearing which is not the case in informal situations during which swearing is free such as ‘Bar conversation’ (ibid: 275).
2.3.4 Neurological Aspects of Swearing Swearing holds a particular place in the brain, and that neurological damage to the brain can affect swearing along with other language abilities. Concerning the relation between the act of swearing and the brain, Pinker (2008: 331-336) states that right hemisphere of brain is implicated in swearing, because it is more heavily involved in emotion especially negative emotion. Moreover, Wilson (1975: 107) reveals that the brain processes swearwords in the lower regions. She also states that the brain stores swearwords as whole words rather than a series of phonemes. She also says that the right hemisphere of the brain known as neo-cortex is responsible for storing the denotation of swearing. 26
Regarding the neurological aspect of swearing Jay & Janschewitz (2008: 270) argue that the frequency of swearing depends on the integrity of brains areas implicated in cognitive control process. For example ventral prefrontal cortex; damage to which is associated in an increase socially in appropriate behaviors and speech, including swearing. (ibid: 271) Neurological factors
influence
both
propositional and
non-
propositional swearing, but non-propositional utterances make it particularly clear that we are not always able to control swearing; emotions arise in voluntarily. Moreover Jay (1999:33-37) states that language can be divided in to two extremes propositional and non-propositional speech. Propositional speech is creative while the non-propositional is non creative. It is believed among neuroscientists that emotional speech takes place in the right hemisphere. Swearing can be divided into two categories, the use of expletive which is automatic and reflexive and the strategic verbal aggression, which is controlled and calculated. The divisions of the categories refer back to the distinction between propositional and non propositional speech. (ibid: 36) One positive aspect of swearing is that it replaces more primitive physical aggression.
2.3.5 Pragmatic Aspects of Swearing Pragmatics is the study of the relation between language and context that is basic to an account of language understanding. According to Liu (2004:89) pragmatics studies how people comprehend and produce a communicative act or speech act in a concrete speech situation which is usually a conversation. It distinguishes two intents or meanings in each utterance or communicative act of verbal communication. 27
Lockerby (2006: 77 as cited in Rerin &Rosa 2012:84) says that “pragmatics is about the shared knowledge that we all must use as a tool to understand words." The analysis of acts of swearing in accordance with contextual variables such as speaker-listener relationship and social-physical setting in the process of swearing is the concern of pragmatics. The offensiveness of swearing is determined by a number of factors. Jay and Janschewitz (2008:267) state that “swearing is neither polite nor impolite. One can say that the language experience influences likelihood and offensive judgments about swearing. Fluent speaker, relative to those who are less familiar with language, should have a broader and more flexible knowledge of the ways in which swearing can be interpreted as polite or impolite. Concerning those nonnative speakers who are less familiar with language, they should have sufficient knowledge about the situation in which the swearing can be understood as polite or impolite. Impoliteness, rudeness, and swearing are three phenomena which are impossible to be defined universally because these entire phenomena are culturally and personally determined. The classical approach to politeness (Brown & Levinson, 1978) frames interpersonal communication as situations in which a speaker’s motivation is to promote social harmony and to avoid face threatening act through behavior such as swearing. On the other side, Beebe (1995 as cited in Jay& Janschewitz, 2006: 269) describes how people are intentionally rude in order to get power or to express negative feelings. It is believed that impoliteness cannot be universally constructed, because the impoliteness depends on the relationship between speaker and listener.
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Swearing is not considered as merely a face threatening act. When swearing is interpreted as offensive and insult to a listener, the hearer feels that she/ he is insulted by the speaker’s utterances. It is difficult to determine whether swearing in discourse is offensive or rude because the participant’s identity, relationship, social norm, intentions and motivations are all the decisive factors in determining the offensiveness of swearing expressions. The judgment of rudeness is not determined only by the propositional content of swearwords but also by a sense of what is appropriate in a particular situation. Swearing can be polite when it creates social harmony as in face building for example: ‘the pie is pretty fucking good!’ Swearing is used for threatening face when it is intentionally used to attack someone. In this situation swearing is considered rude and offensive; for example, ‘you fucking asshole!’ Accordingly, swearing is rude when used to aggressively bully or gain power. Swearing is also rude when it is used to express strong emotiona l feeling. Moreover, Jay and Janschewitz (2006: 270) state that people sometimes report feeling better after venting strong emotions publically; this behavior can be viewed as cathartic rather than rude. Regarding nonpropositional swearing, the swearer has no control over the content of the utterance and swearing is unintentionally expressed without any plan. This type of swearing occurs suddenly and unconsciously in response to speaker's utterances. Propositional swearing can be regarded as an offense when the speaker unintentionally expresses swearing. Nonpropositional swearing is considered rude when the listener is offended by the unintentionally rude swearing of the speaker.
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2.4 Classifications of Swearing 2.4.1 Liedlich’s Classification of Swearing (1973) According to Liedlich (1973:103-105) swearwords can be classified into eight categories that can be summarized as below: 1. Racial Term: The swearwords that are included in this type are related to some one's race and place such as ‘Niger’. 2. Animal Term: This is a term that refers to kinds of animal, which are used to mock or compare people with animal. The words that are related to this term are (dog, swine, pig, fox, turkey, etc). 3. Copulative (Madness) Term: The term copulative comes from the word (couple) which refers to a combination of two persons (man and woman) united by marriage and having united in sexual intercourse. It also means something that connects or joins together, examples of this type are (Fuck, fuck you, and get fuck). 4. Excretory Term: This term comes from the word ‘excrete’ which means to separate and eliminate the solid waste matter of the bowl from our body through the anus. The words that are related to this term are 'piss', 'shit'. Shit is a vernacular word in English that means feces. The word shit is considered vulgar and thus is usually avoided, for example, in teaching, religion, political speech and most news reporting. However the word shit is used not to refer to feces only, but rather in a variety of metaphoric meaning, for example: This shit is ridiculous. 5. Genital Term: This term comes from ‘genital’, which means the sex organs of human beings from the reproduction system for the next generation. The words that belong to this term are (cunt, cock, rooster, haystack and hay cock, etc.). Cunt is a vulgar term that refers to the human female genital. It is used as a term of abuse, particularly when it is used by a man to describe a woman. As in 'she is a real cunt'. The terms of penis and vagina do not belong to this term because they belong to biological term. 6. Sexual Irregularities Term: This is related to sexual irregularities, which can explain that people who like to change their partners while they have sexual intercourse, the words that are included in this term are (bitch, chick, bustard, etc) 7. Death Term: This term refers to something which makes people fear to face for example, (go to hell, damn, damn it, etc).
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8. Mother in Law Term: This term is used when someone wants to describe a woman who has an affair with many partners, for example, ‘son of bitch’, ‘motherfucker’. Motherfucker is a common insult in English language, which is popular in hip-hop culture and also it is closely related to the doers of sexual activities, in which those persons like to change their partners while they have sexual intercourse. 2.4.2 Rothwell’s Classification of Swearing (1973) According to Rothwell (cited in Liedlich, 1973:106:107) there are five types of swearwords as described below: 1. Madness Term. An ill tempered homosexual male that happens when the male plays the role of female in copulation for example, ‘fuck you motherfucker’. 2. Excretory Term: is vernacular word in English such as ‘shit’ and ‘bullshit’. This term is considered vulgar that is why avoided for example, ‘shit what happened to you’ 3. Terms Related to the Human Genitals. These terms refer to sex organ of human beings such as ‘she is a real cunt’ 4. Terms Related to Sexual Irregularities. These terms are used to describe a sexually immoral women and a male homosexual who plays the female role in copulation. The words that included in this term are (bitch, bastard, etc). What is your problem, bitch? 5. Death Terms. Refer to something which makes people fear to face it such as ‘burn in hell’, ‘go to hell’. 2.4.3 Anderson and Hirsh’s Classification of Swearing (1985) According to Anderson & Hirsch (1985:39-40) there are four types of swear words which are called ‘folk terms’. These terms are classified into a number of groups, and each of these groups is subdivided into a number of subgroups. The first of these groups is Evil language which in turn has two subgroups cursing and profane. Evil language includes (cursing and damnation) while profane language includes (profanity, profane swearing, profane oath and blasphemy).
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The second major groups is that of Vulgar Language which would be characterized as language that mentions things or activities, offensive to standards of politeness, etiquette, or cleanliness. There are two additional subgroups here: obscene language and dirty language together. The third group is Abuse which refers more to the function or use of this speech behavior than to the speech refers to. The fourth group is Expletive language which refers to the uttering of bad language as an exclamation. Oath is also being placed under this group. Folk terms classification can be summarized in the diagram below: Folk Terms Evil Terms
Vulgar Terms
Abuse Terms
Expletive Terms
Figure (3) Classification of Folk Swearword 2.4.4 Trudgill’s Classification of Swearing (1986) According to Trudgill (1986: 29) the swearwords are classified into four types as described below: 1. The Left Hand: This term refers to the symbol of sexual intercourse by showing their middle finger of the left hand, such as screw you. 2. Certain Game Animal Terms: Terms of this type are related to the behavior of animal. Religious beliefs and practices from prehistoric times. In some religious animals are closely associated with gods, for an instance a bull which is called Apis is considered the representative of the god Osiris, the Ibis which sacred to the God Toath, dog and others. 3. Excretion Terms: examples of such terms are ‘shit’, ‘bullshit’ and ‘piss’. 4. Religion Terms: Examples of such term are (Goddamn and fucking Christ).
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2.4.5 Wardhaugh Classification of Swearing (1986) According to Wardhaugh (1986: 230) swearwords can be classified into eight types. 1. Mother-in-Law Term: This term is the commonest used by black people in American society for the purpose of various functions especially for insulting. This term refers to the sexual intercourse that have done by woman with different partners. The example for this term is ‘motherfucker’ and ‘son of bitch’. 2. Bodily Function Term: This term related to human genitals such as cunt and cock. 3. Excretion Term: This term is related to human excretory that is used to swear at someone or something such as ‘shit’. 4. Death Terms: This term is used by people when they want to swear at someone or something to show their anger the example for this term ‘hell’ and ‘damn’. 5. Sexual Term: This term refers to a person who has sexual relationship with many partners. 6. Animal Term: The term refers to kinds of animal which are used to mock or to compare people with animal, such as ‘pig’, ‘bitch’, ‘turkey’, etc. 7. Religious Term: This term refers to God or sacred people and prophets such ‘Gosh’, 'Goddamn’ and or 'fucking Christ'. 8. Left Hand Terms: This term is used as the symbol of sexual intercourse by showing the middle finger of the left hand, such as ‘fuck you’. 2.4.6 Hughes’s Classification of Swearing (1991) According to Hughes, (1991: 117) swearwords are classified into six terms: 1. Genital terms: such as cunt, cock, prick, twat, and Pollock 2. Anatomical terms: such as tit, ass, ass hole, etc 3. Excretory terms: such as shit, turd, ford 4. Imbecilic terms: such as moron, idiot, imbecile and prate 5. Animal terms: such as pig, cow, bitch, sow, swine 6. Religious terms: such as ‘oh my God’, ‘Goddamn’, ‘Jesus’, ‘fucking Christ’, and ‘Gosh’.
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2.4.7 Montague's Classification of Swearing (2001) According to Montagu (2001:100-101) swearwords fall into seven categories listed below: 1. Names of supernatural or infernal powers, of gods, angels and devil, such as God, Lord, Christ, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Jesus H, Great father, Merciful father ,Gracious God, Great Holy, by the Holy spook, Great Jehovah, Gabriel, Lucifer, and Devil. 2. Names connected with sacred matters of religion, such as the holy mass, the holy, the sacrament, God's wounds, and God's blood. 3. Names or allusions to saints, priests, prophets, biblical characters, and persons conspicuous in church history, such as by the saint above, by all the saints, by the blood of the saints, Holy Mary, Holy Moses. Holy peter, Patrice, Mark, job, Thomas, Judas, pope. 4. Names of sacred places, such as Jerusalem, Jericho, Goshen, the holy grave, by the Abbey. 5. Words related to the future life, such as heavens, hell, bless, damn, and their numerous corrupted forms like darn, dang, blast. 6. Vulgar or obscene words would be characterized as language that mentions things or activities, offensive to standards of politeness, etiquette, or cleanliness. 7. Expletives, includes words or phrases that have unusual force for various reasons. 2.4.8 Allan and Burridge's Classification of Swearing (2006) According to Allan & Burridge (2006: 1) swearwords are classified into five types 1. Bodily effluvia. Terms such as shit, bloody and piss refer to bodily effluvia and acts of excretion that are generally regarded as expletives. 2. The organs and acts of sex, and defecation. 3. Diseases, death and killing. 4. Naming, addressing, touching and viewing persons and sacred. 5. Food gathering, preparation and consumption.
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2.5 Functions of Swearing There are many reasons behind using swearing but the following are the most salient classifications of the functions of swearing.
2.5.1 Rothwell’s Classification of Swearing Functions (1971) Most people associate swearing with being angry or disturbed, but people swear for a number of reasons and in a variety of situations. Swearing also serves several purposes in social interactions. According to Rothwel in Liedlich (1973: 108-115) there are six purposes of verbal obscenity. 1. Creating Attention: Swearing expressions are used by people for this function when they want to attract attention from the society surrounding. They want to be the central attention among other people and people can easily realize this. 2. Discrediting: This function of swearing is used when the speakers are not satisfied with the public image about certain people, institution, government, etc. Therefore they use swearword to express their disbeliefs about many things in reality which they assume are not suitable with public opinion. In other occasions, people are often discredited about something that could be disappointing. 3. Provoking Violent Confrontation: One of the basic functions of swearing expression is provoking violent confrontation. Certain swearwords can bring violence when the speaker expects a certain response from the hearer. When the hearer is not satisfied, it will make confrontation that can be dangerous. 4. Identification: The fourth function is the creation of strong interpersonal identification. This means that when someone utters swearword or verbal obscenity, it is used as his or her identification, for example the black American or American Negroes use the term ‘motherfucker' as a sign for familiarity or even friendliness. Here Tannen (2002: 184-187) states that “the use of swearwords for the low class is very common. They use it to build harmony or establish a group identity.” 5. Providing Catharsis: In a simple way, this function can happen when people express their feeling towards somebody or something could be a burden for them so they need to release their emotional 35
feeling in order to calm themselves. In other words, the people use swearword in order to release their intense frustration and passion. 6. Insulting (Humiliation): This function is used by people for insulting each other when they use swearing expressions. Rothwell’s classification of swearing functions can be summarized in the diagram below:
Creating attention
discrediting
provoking
identification catharsis
insulting
Figure (4) Rothwell’s classification of swearing functions
2.5.2 Hussein’s Classification of Swearing Functions (2009) According to Hussein (2009: 28) there are four purposes of swearing which are considered as an integral part of people’s entire tradition. It plays a significant role in everyday aspect of life. Swearing derives its sociocultural significance not only from its religious background but also from other social, cultural and political factors. These purposes are explained below: 1. Emphasis: Language speakers preface their speech acts as a part of their confirmation and persuasion strategies with a swearing to emphasize the statement they have made. Swearing is not meaningless but it might be used as a politeness marker. 2. Humour: Humour means those words or actions which are intended to cause laughter. It is the quality of arousing people's feeling of amusement to engage and entertain them in an effort to make them laugh. 3. Praising: The act of making positive statement about a person, object or idea, either in public or privately is called praising. Expressing admiration, flirtation and appreciation by the speakers involve different body parts which show woman’s beauty and charm such us the face, the eyes, checks, neck, hair, etc. Males and females may receive praise through admiring which is used also to emphasize the seriousness of actions and expression. 36
4. Humiliation: Pointing to a person’s dignified body part and coming with an insulting object, is one of the techniques used by the speakers to humiliate others. 2.5.3 Why do People Swear? Some scholars try to identify the reasons of using swearwords. It is interesting to note that although swearwords are considered impolite and offensive; many people like to use those words. According to Adeoye (2005: 52) there are two reasons of using sexist swearwords, such as: 1. Hearing something strange: People tend to repeat or give a negative respond to words that they never heard before. For example: ‘motherfucker’, ‘bastard’. 2. Expressing emotions: Swearing is regarded as an emotive or expressive function of language. Hughes (1991: 224-225) states that people tend to swear when he/ she is angry or disappointed. They are also likely to swear when they would like to express annoyance, surprise, anger, and shock, for example: (fuck, shit, cunt, etc). Further, and according to Karjalainen (2002: 24) there are three motives for swearing. There are psychological, social and linguistic motives. Firstly, psychological motives come from frustration or anger arising from an unexpected event or shock most people resort to swearing for an immediate vent of emotion. Secondly social motives are different from psychological motives in that they involve more than one person as social swearing depends on an audience to have any real function. The last is linguistic motives for swearing; someone is free to use lots of words in their vocabulary, as long as they convey the message that people wish to communicate. Allan & Burridge (2006:75) have found that swearing is influenced by whom we are communicating with, if we are speaking or writing, where we are, what we talk about and which mood we are in. So when people swear 37
they express strong feelings at someone or something, in this case the situation and circumstances in which the swearwords occur is crucial. They believe that swearing is not used only for insulting, but it can also be used for showing appreciation. For example, in the utterance 'I love you so fucking much right now' the swearword has positive meaning. Another positive meaning possibility of swearing is that it might help prevent the use of physical violence. (ibid) According to Jay (2000:59) “it would be wrong to assume that verbal aggression is only negative emotion. One positive aspect of cursing is that it replaces more primitive psychological aggression. Most would agree that it is better to shout at people than to hit them on the head." Moreover, and according to Montague (1967:1) it has always been a taboo in many societies to use swearwords, people in the past used them to shock their receptions that no one could say the names of gods, so to really anger someone they used the god’s names in a forbidden and disgraceful manner. It shows that swearing has always been away of standing out from the norm and the act in rebellion way. He also points out that people swear differently depending on their surroundings. For example the female use milder swearwords when they speak with male while the case is different when they speak with each other. (ibid: 2). Jay (2009:153) states that the one who uses taboo language are considered lower class or as McEnery (2006:84)states that “ bad language, was considered to be immoral , the societies put it in train the process which make swearing a mark of low class status or at least of non-middle classiness”. The middle class can be separated from the low class in that the middle class in order to show a higher degree of moral they don’t use foul or bad language. 38
Swearing is thought to have evolved as a means to express emotions and to relieve stress (ibid: 84). Moreover Jay (2009: 154) says that “Swearing is way of expressing anger symbolically, and is, so to speak a substitute for violence.” People swear to express variety of emotions such pain, anger and even grief. Furthermore Pinker (2008:369) states that “the common denominator of taboo words is the act of forcing a disagreeable thought on the listeners attention, people may unconsciously think that by swearing you can have a strong impact on listeners. According to Wardhaugh (2002: 237) people use taboo language to draw attention to oneself, to show content, or to mock authority. There are some reasons when people use taboo words in his communication. a. Expressing pain, anger, frustration, annoyance. b. Insulting someone, directly or descriptively. c. Invoking or wishing for supernatural assistance in harming someone. d. Adding emphasis to statement whether positive or negative in content. e. Using certain taboo words, or referring to certain concepts in any way at all. f. Issuing ritual guarantees of truthfulness. 2.6 Expressiveness of Swearing According to Jiří (2006: 11) expressiveness has a closer relation with slang, vulgar language and stylistics devices. The basic principles are applied to English since 2006. He also says that the expression of oneself can take various forms and ways. Expression can be achieved by behavior, the way a person dresses, by gestures and verbal communication. It is believed that every language hosts a subsystem of prominent language devices and rules by which one can form non-expressive into expressiveness one. Just like almost every scientific theory or concept, expressiveness also has a wide range of interpretations and definitions. 39
Expressiveness has three constitutive characteristics; first the personal interest of the speaker on what’s being communicated, and the Second is markedness of the utterances in the system of language. This is then divided into formal and semantic markedness for inherent expressivity and semantic only markedness for adherent expressivity. The third attribute is emotionality and optional effort. There are other views given by linguists to the notion of expressivity. It has been considered as a personally motivated bias of a language tool which comes to work in emotionally tense communication. Another linguists view it as an amplification of the subjective aspect in communication. (ibid: 12-13) Expressiveness is an important feature, because it is the main quality by which we can analysis swearwords in individual text. Expressivity is considered as an attribute of language that is constituted by conspicuousness. The subject intention and bias of language user can be observed in a wide variety of levels of language and from lexical unit. It is also influenced by social state, sex, age etc. The factor is very useful when it comes to analyzing the expression of teenage gang members who use certain words in their speech as we notice in 8 mile film’s characters. 2.6.1 Degree of Offensiveness It is clear that some swearwords are definitely more vulgar than others. For example ‘cunt’ is stronger than 'fuck'; 'fuck' is stronger than ‘shit’ and ‘shit’ is stronger than ‘Jesus’ etc. (Susanne, 2009: 34) Similarly, Jay (1992:11) believes that the swearword 'cunt' is a stronger swearword than 'fuck', 'fuck' than 'shit', and 'shit' than 'damn' and so on. Moreover, Taylor (1975: 42) states that a wide variety of swearwords has been ranked according to their degree of obscenity on six point scale, while the general 40
principle of a hierarchy of obscenity seems clear that swearwords cannot be easily arranged on a mathematical scale. Allan and Burridge (2006: 132) believe that there are differences in the degree of obscenity. These differences would appear to be qualitative as well as quantitative. They also explain that in the 1990s, an Australian judge ruled that ‘fuck1’ (the denotative meaning) was obscene, whereas ‘fuck2’ was not, clearly indicating a difference of degree between them. Moreover, Taylor (1975: 43) classifies both ‘fuck’ and ‘cunt’ as having a maximal taboo loading, the fact that the Australian speakers hold the swearword ‘cunt’ worst than 'fuck'. According to Ljung (2011: 8) it is difficult to determine the ‘strength’ or degree of offensiveness both of individual words when used with literal meaning and of swearing construction in which they figure. In taking the swearing question often raised; for example, to what extent does taboo strength contribute to swearing status? Are mild expletive interjections like for example God! and Goddess! less clearly members of the swearing category than strong expressiveness like 'fuck' and 'shit'? However he also believes that taboo strength should not be used to determine membership in the swearing category, mainly because the taboo strength of a given word will be changed by the passage of time so it is difficult to specify swearing according to the degree of offensiveness. Moreover Stroh-Walling (2008: 27as cited in LJung, 2011:9) states that “it is probably better to place swearing expressions along a taboo cline extending from mild to strong swearing." It is obvious that classifying swearing expressions in accordance with their offensiveness is not easy. However the BBC guidelines presented a rank list of the types of offensive language that cause most offence. These are sexual 41
swearword, terms of racist abuse, abuse referring to sexuality, pejorative terms referring to illness, or disabilities and casual or offensive use of holy name. According to the BBC guidelines the terms ‘cunt’, ‘fuck’ and 'motherfucker' are the most offensive terms. Moreover Fägersten (2007: 77) found out that females are being more sensitive than males to the offensiveness of swearwords through his study about swearing and offensiveness. He proved that there are many swearwords which can be considered offensive swearword by females while the male attitude towards offensiveness is quite different; some swearwords which are seen as offensive by females while inoffensive by males. Offensive words are related to categories of obscenity, indecency, profanity, racial slurs, taboo, and scatology. On this point Jay (2009: 153) states that the lack of universal standards for offensiveness due to contextual variability makes it difficult to define what offensiveness is. However, Fägersten (2007:89) argue that “research has revealed recently that some swearwords are clearly considered more offensive than others”. As a solution to that problem, Jay (2009: 154) suggests that the ultimate offensiveness of swearing could be determined by pragmatic variables such as speaker-listener relationship and social-physical setting as well as the words used and tone of voice. Taking the context as a variable in deciding the offensiveness of swearwords, Mercury (1995: 33) believes that successful swearer uses taboo language in accordance with the situation they are speaking in. Here the context may affect the degree of offensiveness; for example, the use of ‘fuck’ in a bar may be appropriate while using this term at home is not. There are some swearwords which are considered more offensive than others. For example, young boys find words like baby, wimp more offensive than their parents. 42
All the methods that have been followed to evaluate the offensiveness or non-offensiveness of swearwords are faulty approaches, because swearwords are presented as singular items in a list without contexts. If subjects are given a list of isolated swearwords with no context and are asked to rate their offensiveness it is unlikely that they would consider a swearword from different viewpoints. So the offensiveness rating of isolated words is unreliable because it is impossible to know how participants interpret individual words. In one study at the University of Florida about the offensiveness of swearwords such as ‘ass’, ‘shit’, and ‘fuck’ the under graduated students were asked to rate swearwords according to the same scale as the word listed rating task, i.e., from ‘1’ to ‘10’ , ‘1’ being not offensive and ‘10’ being very offensive. The results indicated significant conclusions: 1. Females rated listed swearwords as more offensive than males did. 2. The context of an utterance affects the perceived offensiveness of swearwords.(ibid)
2.7 Sociolinguistic aspects of Swearing It is clear that the existence of language cannot be separated from society. The recognition of the importance of the relationship between language and the society has led to the growth of sociolinguistics; sociolinguistics is one of the branches which tries to look at the language from social point of view. This point of view is supported by Trudgill (1973); Holmes (1974); Chaika (1982); Downes (1984); McEnery (2006); and Wnlandari (2007); People can use language to carry on love and to carryout hate and through language people can reveal or hide their personal identities, their character, and their background. It is obvious that the vocabulary of a language can reflect the culture and environment of its 43
speakers. The use of swearwords by people is different from one culture to another. The kind of swearwords is specified by the society in which the speaker lives. Since this study is based on sociolinguistic perspectives in analyzing the data and deals with the differences between males and females in using swear words. 2.7.1 Language and Gender There are four different views about the relation between language and gender. (Bing, 1999: 22) A. Language which creates gender differences and division in society. The idea of this statement stems from the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis which states that language influences the world view of the speaker of that language. Sapir (1949:134 as cited in Bing, 1999:22) states “nor I can believe that culture and language are in true sense casually related. Sapir believes that language and culture are not interrelated. The Whorfian hypothesis claims that language actually determines the reality of the speaker of the language. Chaika (1982: 220) states that Whorfian hypothesis stipulates that “the existence of certain words allow the people view the world. The existence of certain words which differentiate male and female causes the people divide the gender classification in society.” B. Language which reflects gender divisions in society. It means that language does not create gender divisions, it reflects them. The gender differences
in society are socially constructed, not
linguistically constructed. Lakoff (1986: 310 as cited in Bing, 1999: 23) presents her point of view stating that “the existence of gender 44
division in society is much more because of a cultural problem.” She believes that the language differences between male and female reflect the fact that male and female have expected to have different roles in society, hold different types of conversations, and respond differently to other people. Therefore, they have different languages to reflect those different social expectations between male and female. C. Interaction between language and gender. Language and gender cannot be separated from each other. Lakoff (1986: 311) states that language and gender cannot be studied independently of the socially constructed community in which the people live. Language reflects the gender divisions in the society, Therefore there are several words of language which are used differently between males and females. In addition, gender classification as one of the social systems in the society in turn motivates the language as a means of communication to adjust with social conditions in the society D. Non-influence between language and gender. It means that language is not related to all gender division in the society. Gender in language is a purely grammatical notion. There is no intentional purpose of the language to differentiate the gender and to create the language distinction of gender (Bing, 1999:24). It is natural, meaning that language has no reason for the existence of the some language features which differentiates male and female 2.7.2 Gender and Swearing The aspect of swearing has been studied differently by many scholars. The gender differences in swearing behavior took the most areas of their studies. The early theory about using swearwords assumes that females use 45
swearwords more than males, but recent studies have shown this assumption is wrong. Jay (1999: 181) believes that females use few swearing words in their conversations, because females are expected to show control over their thoughts while males are freer to show unfriendly and aggressive speech habits. Similarly, Coates (1986: 19-22) believes that “male swear more than female and also showing that male use swearwords more and also more comfortable with its use.” Moreover, Holmes (2004:286) states that “women's speech has two features: super polite form, for example, indirect request, euphemism; and avoiding of strong swear words, example, ‘Fudge’, my goodness.” Further, Jay (1999: 165-166) assumes that “male use more offensive words than female.” Female usually uses bastard or pick when she wants to humiliate the male while male usually uses cunt and slut to insult a female. Sociologically, Liedlich, 1973:118) believes that “it was more acceptable in English society for males to swear and use taboo words than it was for females.” For centuries, females avoided to use swearwords, while males have been encouraged to use swearwords. Moreover, McEnery (2006: 63) finds that a closer looking at the British national corpus one can find that males are more likely to use swearwords in contrast with female speakers who produce fewer swearwords than males and avoiding the direct use of taboo words. On the same issue Trudgill (2000: 37) states that “a male and female use different varieties of the same language.” In other words, male and female do not use completely different quantities or frequencies in the same form. Here, Holms (2004: 71) believes that “there are other ways in which the linguistic behavior of male and female differs.” Females are, linguistically, more polite and thus tend to use more standard forms than 46
males. Additionally, females use fewer swearwords than males, because females are more status-conscious than males. The way females speak and use words indicates their social background or social status in the community. If someone uses standard language, people would think that she or he has a high level of education. In other words, females in a high position in society would think they are not allowed to use nonstandard language. That is why the females in these cases try to avoid using swearwords in their daily conversation. Thus, the female character becomes the role example of correct behavior in community (ibid, 173). In line with this assumption, Liedlich (1973: 117) states that “females are expected to be feminine and to exclude the use of obscenity for any reason.” It seems like that there is a sort of permission that is more acceptable for males to use swearwords because they are related to the concept of masculinity and roughness. As for the differences in the use of swearwords by both males and females, Jay (1992: 60-70) found out that females feel the need to use the milder forms is probably concept that can be connected to the image of how a lady is supposed to behave according to the Western society. In general, one can say that there are three effects of society on the language and the way in which environment is reflected in language. First the physical environment in which a society is being reflected in its language; for example, in English there is only one word for any kind or shape of snow. However, Eskimo has several names for the terms snow. Other example, in English there is only one name for any types of dates while Arabic has more than 300 names for the term dates such as (zahdi, khastawy, berhi,… etc.)
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Secondly, the social environment can also be reflected in the language, and often have an effect on the structure of the vocabulary. Thirdly the values of a society can also have an effect on its language; the example that reflects this situation is through the existence of swearwords. So understanding the social context and language itself is very important in analyzing male and females' speech, because language is considered as a social phenomenon that's why the speech and context cannot be separated from each other.
2.8 Swearing as a Speech Act Before talking about swearing as a speech act, it can be useful to shed some light on speech act theory which was developed by the British philosopher John Austin (1962) who distinguished three types of speech acts: locution, illocution and perlocution ( Austin, 1962 cited in Thomas, 1995:49). Locution is the form of utterance and this brings it very near to linguistics. It is related to the way words are chosen and combined. It is related to what the individual words do and they mean when they are combined. (ibid: 50). As for illocutionary act, it can be defined as the intended purpose of the utterance. The last type of speech act is perlocutionary act, which can be defined as the effect of utterance. To sum up the above definitions it can be said that locution is the bas ic form of the utterance, while illocution is what is produced in saying this utterance. In communication the same speech act of locution can change the illocution and per locution.
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This change depends on who is saying the utterance and why it is said. For example when somebody says it in happily can have different effect than when saying it angrily or when somebody is really sad or insulted. Each of these can lead to a different interpretation of what’s going on. For example saying “you are son of bitch” it could be a compliment, criticism or insult and it could be a complaint. So the interpretation of utterance might be different. If a close friend says it with a smile on his face it can be different than if he says it with frowning face. Therefore it is the context which decides the way people response to the utterance. Different context can lead to different responses. The thing said might be different from one person to another. Some persons might really just hate the word ‘bitch’ no matter how it is said and who said it. They might be offended by the word. Other people may simply find it inoffensive with such people the word does not bother them at all and even when somebody says it for the purpose of insulting. Therefore the perlocution is not under full of control of the utterance. It might be different from one recipient to another. The same expression “you are son of bitch” said by a woman is different when said by a man. If a woman says it to a man it can has a different illocution and different perlocution than her saying to a woman. The intention can be different and the response can also be different likewise if he says it to another man or another. Tabooness belongs to the social meaning of words. Therefore tabooness is part of the locution, part of semantics, whereas offensiveness, is how an utterance is perceived, i.e. as polite, as offensive because this depends on context, and speech acts. So the offensiveness is a part of perlocution and the point here is that the response to an utterance in this case is not build on the 49
words themselves. Actually they are based on the use of words and the way recipient responses to the words. The three aspects of a speech act cannot be ignored, especially when talking about swearing. So it does not matter if somebody says or intends to be offensive because there is a perlocution, ones intentions don’t fully determine how an utterance is responded to. At the same time people may be offended without a good reason of being offended. We are sometimes offended by what we think somebody meant not by what he actually meant. So sometimes we have to think of the social meaning of word and the history of the word and so on. So there are always social aspects that have to be considered: The intention of the speaker, the response of the recipient and the emotional meaning of the words themselves. Thus the intention of the speaker, the reaction of the hearer and the large speech community must be taken into consideration when looking at speech acts, and especially when we are talking about swearing. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3BgDVdffzk: 2013)
2.9 Hymes 'SPEAKING' Theory Whenever a person speaks, there must be some factors present in his communicative event. According to Trudgill, (1984: 23-24) “the work which relates language and society is the ethnography of speaking." Therefore, the context in which the swearword is used is very important in order to understand the context the writer has to relate it with the factors that exist in a communicative event. Hymes (1972) as cited in Wardhaugh, 2002: 238241) describes the factors in the term ‘SPEAKING’ which are important in understanding a communicative event. These factors are: 50
S. Setting: it refers to the time and place, in which speech takes place, i.e., to the physical circumstances. P. Participant: This includes various combinations of speaker and listener, addressor and addressee, sender, and receiver. It refers to the participants involved. This area includes the people present and the roles they play, or the relationships they have with other participants. E. End: It is the actual form and content of what is said: the exact words used, how they are used, and the relationship of what is said to the topic. It refers to the personal goals that participants seek to accomplish on particular occasion then outcome. A. Acts: Acts or speech acts include both the actual form and content of what is said by speaker. That is, any action can be considered a communicative action if it conveys meaning to the participants. K. Key: It refers to the tone, manner or sprit in which a particular message is conveyed or how the speech sounds is. It refers to the way participants speak or the way of behavior toward others, such as polite versus impolite, serious, mocking, joking, tense, relax formal versus informal, respectful, intimate, distant, and worshipful. I. Instrumentalities: It deals with choice of channel and the actual forms of speech employed such as language, dialect, code or register that is chosen. N. Norm: Norm of interaction and interpretation refer to specific behaviors and properties attached to speaking and also to how these may be viewed by someone who does not share them, for instance; gaze return and loudness.
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G. Genre: Genre commonly relates to the kind of speech act or event, related to the communication, the kind of speech act or event. From the description above one can find that the use of language can be affected by culture, gender and setting. Therefore the differences between males and females swearing can be seen clearly in terms of swearing types and frequency. So in analyzing the data the culture and context in which the swearwords occur has been taken in consideration. 2.10 Previous Studies 2.10.1 Jimmy’s study (1995) Jimmy's study is entitled “Swearwords produced by the main characters in the movie “ Bad Boys II”
as the title suggests is concerned
with the use and the production of swearwords produced by the main characters in the movie. He posed three research questions: what are the classifications of swearwords? What words are often used by the characters? And what are their reasons in using swearwords? He adopts Hughes and Rothwell's classification of swearing. A pragmatic theory has been used in analyzing the data. Jimmy found that the sexual irregularities such as, mother fuckers, son of bitch, etc have the greater frequency of use by the characters in the movie. Also, the characters use swearwords to show their emotion. The study made use of other studies as guidance to carry out similar research, but with the addition of some functional analysis of swearwords. 2.10.2 Oie’s study (2003) This is a study of taboo in ‘Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back’ Movie. Oie’s thesis as a comparative study that consists of two research questions; 52
the first one is how many kinds of taboo words are used in film? The second question is what does the taboo words convey? The study focuses on the classification of swearwords, speaker’s mind and verbal obscenity. The descriptive approach has been adopted in analyzing the film. ‘Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back’. After analyzing the obtained data, she found that there are 347 swearwords used in the film and the term relating to sex has the highest frequency used by the characters. She also found that all the taboo words are used to emphasize to the words they are saying. She focuses on Hughes' theory in classifying the swearwords used by the characters in the film. However, there are differences between Oie’s study and the present study. She analyzed the classification and the purpose of the swearwords in the film by depending on Hughes' theory while this study mainly adopts Liedlich and Hughes' theory in classifying the swearwords used by characters in the two selected films. In analyzing the functions of swearing she mainly depends on Rothwell’s theory.
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CHAPTER THREE Model and Method of Analysis This chapter presents the model, the method and the data of analysis. The process of analyzing starts with classification of swearing expressions, their functions according to the adopted model. Statistical tools have been used to calculate the frequency and percentage of swearing expressions and their functions in the analyzed samples.
3.1 The Adopted Model In the analysis of each film, each sample is analyzed in detail. Figure (4) on (p: 120) shows the adopted model which is used to achieve an objective systematic analysis of the phenomenon of swearing in the selected samples. The adopted model consists of three elements: type of swearing, functions of swearing and gender of swearer. The first element of analysis is the types of swearing used by swearer based on Liedlich’s theory, and Hughes’ theory of swearing classification including the eleven types of swearing (copulative terms, anatomical terms, excretory terms, mother-inlaw terms, racial terms,
religious terms, animal terms, death terms,
imbecilic terms, sexual terms and genital terms). The study applies these two theories of swearing types to find out the types of swearing used in the selected samples. The second element of analyses is the reason behind each act of swearing. The analysis of swearing function is based on the Rothwell’s 54
theory of the principal purposes of verbal obscenity which consists of sex functions or purposes which are (creating attention, discrediting, provoking, identification, providing catharsis and insulting). Finally the last element which is the act of swearing and their purposes are analyzed in terms of the swearer’s gender. Since this study is concerned with gender differences in the use of swearing, therefore in analyzing the text the researcher depends on sociolinguistic perspectives as gender is one of the main variables in sociolinguistics.
55
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3.2 Method of Analysis This study aims to describe the phenomenon of swearing. The study applies the descriptive approach to describe what is going on in the two films. This study is concerned with the phenomenon of swearing, which is used frequently by male and female characters in the selected films (action and romantic) films. The qualitative descriptive method is adopted in analyzing the swearing phenomenon as the study analyzes the swearwords used by male and female characters in the selected films This kind of approach is used because it involves the collection of data for the purpose of describing existing conditions as Frankel & Wallen, (1993: 380) state, “the qualitative study was taken because it investigates the quality of relationships, activities, situations, or material.” Moreover, and according to Bogdan and Biklen (1992: 29-32) (as cited in Schwartz, S et al, 1995: 95-96) describe five features that characterize qualitative research. First, the natural setting is the direct source of data. In carrying out this thesis, the audio-visual texts are used. The data are collected right at them. Moreover, the context in which the utterance occurs is very important because the activities could be understood well in the actual setting in which they occur. Thus, the study adopts a sociolinguistic approach in analyzing the purposes and the conditions that influence the user of swear words. Second, the qualitative data are collected in the form of words or pictures rather than numbers. In order to collect the data, the study deals with the script of the selected film from the internet, DVD, and personal comments that convey actual words or activities of the 57
characters (female and male). Here the study portrays the actual activities as they happen. Third, the process as well as the product is the concerns of this study. Here I am very curious to know how the users’ condition and the context could affect the use of swearing expressions. Thus, instead of analyzing the kinds and the classifications of swearwords as the products, the study tries to find out the reasons behind using swearwords by the all characters in the selected samples. Fourth, qualitative research tends to analyze the data inductively. The formulation of the hypotheses has not been done beforehand but, a good amount of time was spent to collect the data before deciding what important point to be discussed. In other words, the researchers are not putting together a puzzle whose picture they already know. They are constructing a picture that takes shape as they collect and examine the parts. The last point is how people make sense out of their lives which is a major concern to qualitative research. In order to get the whole description of the subject, the research try to capture the characters’ thinking in using swearwords, including their purpose and the conditions that influence their use. According to Frankel and Wallen (1993: 23) the descriptive method is used to explain, analyze and classify something through various techniques, survey, interview, questionnaires, observation and text. The purpose of descriptive approach is to describe the current condition without being influenced by the investigator. Descriptive 58
method would systematically and factually describe and illustrate the characteristics of the connection between the phenomena. The method of analyzing swearing in the selected texts consists of the following 1. Watching the whole film to develop a general idea of the film including its characters, theme, atmosphere, etc. 2. Reading and checking the script of the film line by line then dividing the script into scenes and analyzing the scenes which contain swearwords to find out the frequency of swearing expressions. 3. Finding out the reason why the characters swear in this way and the possible functions behind their swearing. 4. Trying to find out the influence of the nature of film and the gender of the characters on the type of swearing expression and their frequency. The study also applies the descriptive approach to analyze the sorts of swearwords used by all characters in both films with the purpose to describe to the readers: The categories of swearing expression which are uttered by the female and male characters in the films; The reason of swearing which is mostly used by the character; The differences that can be found in the kinds and reasons of using those swearwords by all characters; and The most frequent devices and functions used and the frequency of total swearing expressions and their percentage.
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3.3 Data for Analysis The selected data consist of two American films. The first is entitled ‘8 Mile’ film. It is an action film while the second is entitled ‘Nutty Professor’ which is a comedy film. The reason behind selecting these two films that belong to two different genres is to find out whether or not the type of film has an influence on swearing in terms of its frequency, type of swearing expression used as well as its function. After getting all data, the analysis of the text will be started in order to answer the following questions:
1. Are there gender differences in terms of frequency of swearing expressions, types and their functions? 2. Do the nature, theme and tenor of the film influence the frequency of swearing types and its functions? 3. What are the most frequent types and functions of swearing in both films? In order to answer these questions, there are several steps that must be followed : a. Counting all types of swearing expressions and their functions in the form of numbers and percentages. The percentage is found according to the following formula:
Number of frequency of certain subject
x 100
Total frequencies So, for example, if we suppose the frequency of copulative term which is used by female characters is 40 and the total number of this term that used 60
by all character is 180. Then, the percentage of the copulative term based on the formula is: 40X100%
= 22.22%
180 b. Listing all swearwords and categorizing them according to gender differences. This is achieved by counting the frequency and finding out the percentage of each type of swearwords that are used by male and female in the selected films. The results will be shown in a tabular form. Table (x) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Types Further, listing all functions of swearing expressions and finding out the frequency and percentage of swearing functions of each type of swearwords in the selected samples then putting the results in a table. The example that follows illustrates this point. Type of Swearing
Function of Swearing
Frequency and Percentage Male
1.Anatomical term
1.Insulting 2. provoking 3. discrediting 4………….
Fr
%
Total
Female Fr
%
Fr
%
Total Table (y) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Function According to Gender 61
From these two tables the one can recognize whether males and females use the same type of swearing expression or not. Moreover, it will also answer the question about swearing words, whether male or female has the highest frequency or not.
c. Classifying each swearing expression into its type, and the results are shown in two tables. One table for male and female character in the first film while the other table is for the characters in the second film, and then counting the frequency of each type of swearing expressions that are used by male and female in both films in order to know whether males and females share the same swearing types or not. d. Analyzing each scene that contains swearwords in the selected samples in order to understand the users’ aims and purposes. The study focuses on the statements which contain swearwords in analyzing the data and not on all the utterances that occur in the films. In addition, the study pays attention to the context in describing and analyzing the functions of swearing expressions by all characters. e. Analyzing males and females’ purpose separately and counting the frequency of each purpose then putting the results of each film in a table. The results answer the question whether the
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females and males have the same purposes in using swearwords or not.
f. Comparing the results of analysis about males and females by combining their results in one table for each film separately. g. Comparing the two films in terms of swearing expressions, type, purpose and gender of swearer. Moreover the results are shown in two tables. The table would be presented as follow:
Function of swearing
Action Film
Fr % Male
%
Female
Comedy Film
%
Fr
%
Male % Female
Insulting
Total
Table (z) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Function According to Gender in the First and Second Films.
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%
Action
Comedy
Gender Frequency
Percentage
Frequency
Percentage
Female
Male
Total
Table (g) the frequency and percentage of swearing in terms of gender in action and comedy film Drawing tables and putting the results in them can help us to analyze and see the differences of their results easily and to draw conclusions accordingly.
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Types of swearing words
Creating attention
Copulative
Anatomy
swearer’s gender
Purpose of swearing
Discrediting
Provoking
Excretion Mother in law Racial
Identification
Religious
Animal
Providing catharsis
Death Imbecilic Sexual term Genital
Figure (4) The Adopted Model
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Insulting
CHAPTER FOUR Analysis of the Selected Texts This chapter presents the analysis of the selected data in terms of swearing expressions, their types, functions, and purposes behind their use in the selected films. The analysis is based on a model adopted from Liedlich’s theory, and Hughes’ theory of swearing classification, and Rothwell’s theory of swearing function.
4.1 Analysis of the First Film (8 Mile) 4.1.1 Introductory Background The American action film (8 Mile) was released in 2000. It is about a young man, his name is Jimmy. He is a rapper with white skin and his friends are rappers from black skin. The film begins with Jimmy Smith (Eminem), a young and unhappy blue collar worker from a poor family, struggling with different aspects of life. He has moved back north of 8 Mile Road to the rundown trailer home in Warren, Michigan of his alcoholic mother, Stephanie, his sister Lily, and Stephanie's boyfriend Greg. Jimmy is focused on getting his music career started, but he seems unable to catch a break. Just prior to the events of the film, he breaks up with his girlfriend, Janeane, and during the film, a new relationship with Alex begins, whom he meets at the factory when she came one day looking for her brother. Jimmy appears to decide to take his day job more seriously, and this becomes evident to his boss at the factory. At the beginning of the film, when Jimmy requests extra shifts, his boss laughs at him (because of his tendency to be late to work), but by the end, Jimmy's improved attitude and 65
performance earn him the extra work he had originally asked for. His relationship with Alex ends when Jimmy sees Wink having sex with her. Jimmy beats up Wink, which later causes Wink to officially join forces with Jimmy's enemies, a gang of rappers known as the Leaders of the Free World. Later, Wink and the Free World gang jump him outside of his mother's trailer, but when one member pulls a gun on Jimmy, Wink stops him and they leave. The Future, David, puts pressure on Jimmy to get his revenge by competing against the Leaders of the Free World at the next rap battle. The battle acts as kind of a ‘final conflict’ with the Leaders of the Free World gang who have harassed Jimmy throughout the film. It has three rounds, and in each of them Jimmy faces a member of the gang. Jimmy wins both of the first two rounds with progressively more impressive freestyle raps. In the last round, he is paired against Papa Doc, Jimmy wins the battle, and as Jimmy leaves the venue, Future suggests that he stays and celebrates his victory while also offering a position that would allow him to host battles at the shelter. Jimmy turns him down, claiming he has to get back to work and to find success his own way 4.1.2 Categories and Functions of Swearing in (8 Mile) Film Table (1) on (p:67) shows the functions of Swearing uttered by all female and male characters in 8 Mile film. There are various kinds of swearing functions, and it depends on how the speakers use the swearwords. There are some functions that may occur in the same characters' conversation such as creating attraction, discrediting, provoking
violent
confrontation,
creating
strong
interpersonal
identification, providing catharsis. The frequency and the percentage of 66
swearing types and their purpose in the film can be shown in the tables (1) and (2) respectively. Swearing Types
Frequency and Percentage
Male
Female
Total
Fr
Per
Fr
Per
Fr
Per
Copulative Terms
120
42.28
10
3.38
130
49.05
Excretory Terms
53
20
7
2.64
60
22.64
Mother-in-law Terms
25
9.43
0
0
25
9.43
Sexual Terms
13
4.90
1
0.37
14
5.28
Anatomical Terms
6
2.26
1
0.37
7
2.64
Animal Te rms
8
3.0
1
0.37
9
3.39
Religion Terms
1
0.37
7
2.64
8
3,01
Death Terms
4
1.50
2
0.75
6
2.26
Racial Terms
6
2.26
0
0
6
2.26
236
89.05
29
10.94
265
100%
Total
Table (1) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Types in (8 Mile) 67
Frequency and Percentage of Purpose Devices Total Fr
Copulative Terms
Excretory Terms
130
60
Mother-in-Law Terms
25
Sexual Terms
14
Anatomical Terms
7
Animal Te rms Religion Terms
9 8
Death Terms
6
Racial Terms
6
Total
265
Male
Female
Total
Purpose
Fr
Per
Fr
Per
Fr
Per
Catharsis Provoking C. attention Discrediting Insulting Identification
45 26 25 13 10 1
16.98 9.81 9.43 4.90 3.77 0.37
9 0 1 0 0 0
3.39 0 0.37 0 0 0
54 26 26 13 10 1
20.37 9.81 9.81 3.90 3.37 0.37
C. attention Catharsis Discrediting Provoking C. attention Provoking Catharsis Discrediting Identification Insulting Provoking Catharsis C. attention Insulting C. attention Discrediting Provoking Identity Catharsis Identification Catharsis Catharsis
18 17 14 4 6 6 5 4 3 1 5 3 4 1 2 1 2 1 0 8 0 1
4.90 6.41 5.28 1.50 2.26 2.26 1.88 1.50 1.13 0.37 1.88 1.13 1.50 0.37 0.75 0.37 0.75 0.37 0 3.01 0 0.37
3 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7
1.13 1.50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.37 0 0 0% 0% 0% 0% 0.37 0 0.37 2.64
21 21 14 04 6 6 5 4 3 1 5 4 4 1 2 1 2 1 1 8 1 8
7.90 7.90 5.28 1.50 2.26 2.26 1.88 1.50 1.13 0.37 1.88 1.50 1.50 0.37 0.75 0.37 0.75 0.37 0.37 3.01 0.37 3.01
Catharsis Discrediting Provoke Identification Insulting
3 1 1 4 1 236
1.13 0.37 0.37 1.50 0.37 89.05
2 0 0 0 0 29
0.75 0 0 0 0 10.94
5 1 1 4 1 265
1.88 0.37 0.37 1.50 0.37 100%
Table (2) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Purpose in 8 Mile
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4.1.2.1 Copulative Terms The most frequent type of swearword that is used in (8mile) Film is copulative terms which occurs (130) times in the film and represent (49.05) from the total swearing. This term is used by male and female’s characters (120, 10) respectively and. 1. What the fuck are you doing’? 2. The fucking car just died. Jimmy tries to create attention in these two examples because he feels that his friends get so much nerve to be caught by the police. So, he shouts at his friends in order to attract his friends’ attention in order to make them calm down. So this can be categorized under Creat ing Attention. The other example is: 3. Don’t say shit about my mum or my fucking car, man. Jimmy hears his friends whisper each other to make some gossips about Jimmy's life. Jimmy then shouts at his friends to create attention not to gossip his life, as he can hear what his friends have just said. 4. Fuck it whatever. 5. Fuck off. 6. Fuck there is a man in the concert next to Janeane. Jimmy uses all those copulative terms to attract his friend attention to the pretty girl ‘Janeane’ when she is dancing with her friends. He wants to emphasize that his girlfriend is so pretty and dancing well. 7. Some fucking guest called me a busboy. Here jimmy uses the copulative term ‘fucking’ to attract Earl’s attention to the fact that Leonard wants to insult him by using the word ‘busboy’. 8. That’s it? Come on guess who I fucked at work.
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He uses this term in order to attract his friend’s attention, Izzy, Sol, and Future to what has been done by Alex and Jimmy. 9. You are fucking kidding me. Jimmy uses this swearword to attract his mother’s attention to his question in order to be sure that Stephanie won 3200 dollars. Here Jimmy wants to emphasize that she is really the winner. 10. Fuck it I’m gonna battle them first. Jimmy uses the copulative term ‘fuck it’ to inform Future about his next plan. He decides to attack Free World guys. 11. Fuck it. Jimmy wants to attract Cheddar Bob’s attention because he wants to give the mike and to be the new host as Jimmy wants to go work and he is so late. 12. You fuck, you ever seen a horse. Jimmy uses this term for creating attention because he wants to tell Future that he needs a horse for running. 13. Shut the fuck up, Jimmy. 14. What the fuck, you guys! 15. Man shut the fuck up! 16. What the fuck? How can you fight about this shit now? 17. Cheddar’s in the fucking hospital right now and you fight about this? 18. Fuck crazy, Fuck you. 19. What the fuck’s going on out here? These eight copulative terms from (13-19) are used by David ‘Future’ the main male character in the film for the purpose of creating attention. He wants to assert that what has been done by Jimmy is wrong and it does not need to talk about. 20. He’s fast and likes to fuck a lot. 21. So does not raise my fucking eye brow. 22. You don’t give a fuck. David uses the copulative terms from (20-22) for creating attention 70
23. She is so fucking hot, dog. Sol, the male character in the film, uses the term ‘fucking’ to attract his friends’ attention because he wants his friend to share in the pretty girl 24. Fuck, fuck, fuck. Cheddar Bob uses the copulative term three times for creating attention. By repeating the term three times he wants to assert that they are chased by the police. 25. you fucked it all up for me! 26. get the fuck out of here! 27 get the fuck out of my hous! 28 get the fuck out of my house! 29. You ruined it, you fucked is all up. Stephanie, the main female character in film, is drank and thus wants to go to Bingo to meet her boyfriend, Greg. She uses the copulative term five times for the purpose of providing catharsis because, Jimmy tries to stop her and calm her down but she shouts at jimmy and swear at him by using the copulative term. She expresses her angry feeling towards Jimmy because she feels that Jimmy is the reason behind all the problems in the house and he ruined the relationship between Stephanie and Greg. 30. You know we should just steal that fucker’s Porsche. Alex Latourno is the other female character in the film that uses this term to create attention. When she is speaking with Jimmy suddenly his boss appears. Jimmy wants to calm her down and to inform her that the boss is coming and it is better to get back to work because it’s too late. 31. Fucking promise me, Jimmy.
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Alex uses this term for providing catharsis because she feels that she was neglected by Jimmy that is why she swears at Jimmy by using the term ‘fucking’ to show her anger towards him. 32. Leave him alone! Just fucking get out! Get out get out. Alex in this situation is very angry because when she had sexual intercourse with Wing suddenly Jimmy appeared and attacked Wink. She shouts at Jimmy expressing her anger by using the copulative term ‘fucking’ for the purpose of providing catharsis. 33. The fucking car just died. In this situation Jimmy is angry and expresses his feeling towards his friends, because when they passed by the police, his friend threw a paint ball on the police car therefore they were chased by police car. Suddenly he feels that his car is out of work that is why he uses this term to swear when he gets disappointed with his car. 34. Fuck Greg. Other discrediting acts occur when Jimmy gets disappointed with his life, especially towards his stepfather. Jimmy tries to persuade his mother to stand up for her life, work and not to be such a dependable woman. 35. You idiot just fucking drive. Cheddar Bob uses the imbecilic term ‘idiot’ and the copulative term ‘fucking’ for discrediting. Here Cheddar Bob wants Jimmy to shoot on the white car that is chasing them, but Jimmy disagrees with the idea. 36. Leave him alone, fuck this is bullshit. Jimmy uses the two different terms for the same purpose. He disagrees with Wink because he is stick to the mike and old style but Jimmy and Future often depend on rap. 72
37. Why does everybody keep bringing up prince all the fucking times you know? Shit. Fucking him, fuck Greg. Jimmy expresses his discrediting towards his mother because his mother always talks about getting rich and the relation between her and Greg but Jimmy does not like to hear about Greg and Prince. 38. If you cared about Lily, you'd get a job and quit fucking around. 39. Ever wonder at what point you got to say, "Fuck it"? 40. Fucking Wink. Trying to keep us in division with that fake-ass Big Willie wants to be talk. There is a problem between Wink and David. It happens because Wink cannot keep his promise and he always talks but never acts. Wink promises to Jimmy that he has a friend or a connection to make Jimmy popular, and he will arrange the plan to meet his friend. David expresses his disbelief by uttering a swearword which is directed to Wink. 41. What the fuck does prince go to do with our music, Jimmy? Future uses the swearword ‘fuck’ in this scene for the purpose of discrediting, because Jimmy wants to go with Wink and Prince to present a show but, Future does not agree with the idea. 42. What the fuck you talking about. Izzy? Future uses the copulative term ‘fuck’ for discrediting, because he is not satisfied with what Izzy says. He says that we save money to build a new studio but David disagrees with that idea. 43. Forget it and fuck battling down at shelter you. Wink wants Jimmy to fight with the Free World guys but Jimmy tries to avoid fighting and he wants to run away. 44. Just shut up the fuckup Iz. 45. Damn B- we gone fuck up Wink. Sol uses these terms for discrediting. He always depends on himself but his friends depend on others in their work that is why he refuses their idea by uttering swearwords. Sol uses the term ‘fuck’ for 73
discrediting because Jimmy wants to depend on Wink but Sol has the opposite idea because he thinks that Wink cannot do what he says. 46. Fuck you, you ain’t willing to do the work Rabbit. What are you running from? Janeane uses the term ‘fuck’ for catharsis; because Jimmy wants to run and join Alex, but she does not know the reality. She gets angry when she leaves her alone that is why she expresses her anger towards Jimmy. 47. But it’s like you ain’t even fucking here. In this context Janeane uses the swearword ‘fucking’ for the purpose of providing catharsis because she visits Jimmy in his work while he wants to run away that is why she gets angry and expresses her anger towards him. 48. Fuck, man. 49. Who the fuck is you, Niger? This dialogue happens when Jimmy tries to be on stage but the director does not let him in because Jimmy is white. Jimmy feels annoyed and thus shouts at the director and swears at him by using 'fuck' in order to provoke him. 50. At least I got a fucking job. Okay, stop it. Other acts happen when Jimmy has confronted Greg, his own stepfather. Jimmy cannot stand what Greg does to him. So Jimmy tries to provoke him by comparing himself to Greg that at least he has a job than nothing. 51. Fuck you! I told you not to sign me up! This scene happens when Jimmy is angry with David. Jimmy faces a lot of problems, and makes him depressed. David, who always supports Jimmy, signs Jimmy up to a battle. But, Jimmy seems annoyed by David's act because David does not ask Jimmy's permission first. 74
52. Fuck, Fuck, fuck, fuck, and fuck. Jimmy uses the swearword ‘fuck’ five times here when he and Alex were walking in rain along the street then a car driven by and splashes a puddle all over Jimmy that makes him angry and uses this to express his anger .The purpose of using it is to provoke violent confrontation. 53. Get the fuck out here. Jimmy uses this copulative term for the purpose of provoking violent confrontation, because Jimmy is very angry and he pushes Lychety and Papa Dock in the face. 54. I thought I fucking told you no to tell no body I was living here! Jimmy uses this copulative term to provoke violent confrontation, because Wink called Jimmy by nickname ‘Rabbit’ in front of Alex that makes him embarrassed therefore Jimmy pushes Wink hardly. 55. Keep your fucking hand off my mom. Jimmy uses this copulative term ‘fucking’ for swearing because he is angry and hates Greg and he thus wants to provoke him. 56. I don’t give a fuck who it’s you know? Lychety, the leader of Free World, tries to insult Jimmy but Jimmy does not care. He uses swearwords and shouting on the stage to provoke the leader of Free World. 57. Fucking motherfuckers I’ll fucking kill those fucking pussies Jimmy uses the copulative term ‘fucking’ three times and the mother in law term once to provoke violent confrontation. He uses those terms for insulting Lychety and Papa Dock. 58. Fuck you do know who I am? Jimmy uses this term to provoke the Free World guys when he is on the stage. He shows his anger towards the black people who dominate the situation because they show their hatred towards white people that are represented by Jimmy. 75
59. You just fucking have seen me. I went to the bathroom. 60. Jimmy: Fuck you! Greg: What's your problem? 61. Don’t fucking judge me! -Why don't you grow up! 62. Fucking punk. Stephanie: Stop it! 63. Fuck, man! What is your problem? Don't touch my mother! 64. Fuck you! Fuck you .You heard me. In all seven the examples mentioned above from (59-64) the swearwords are used for the purpose of provoking. Jimmy shows his anger towards Greg. He uses different types of swearwords to provoke Greg because Greg is a jobless and careless person and he behaves as if he is the owner of the house. Jimmy cannot bear his bullshit and try to fight with him. 65. I’m a grown man. Fuck you! Jimmy gets angry of Future therefore he uses the two terms ‘fuck’ to provoke him, because Future is always trying to sign him up to fight with Free World group. 66. So what the fuck you want to fight me now. The swearword ‘fuck’ is used by David to provoke Jimmy. David tries to sign Jimmy up to a battle because this is a defending title. But Jimmy cannot accept it. Both of them are angry and they triy to provoke Wink. 67. You are so fucking stupid sometimes! The copulative term ‘fucking’ is used by Greg because he wants to confront Jimmy. Jimmy does not like Greg because he feels that his mother’s boyfriend is a jobless and careless man. 68. What the fuck you gone do about it? 69. You are going fuck with us. In all the scenes above, Papa Doc uses different swearwords for insulting Jimmy and in order to provoke violent confrontation he shouts at Jimmy and humiliates him. 76
70. Its fucking 6:30 in the morning. Sol uses the copulative terms
to create
strong personal
identification, because sometimes the black people use the swearwords not only for expressing their emotions and anger, but they use them as a means for creating identification or familiarity. 71. I’ll fucking kill those fucking pussies. 72. Fucking motherfuckers! Jimmy uses the term ‘fucking’ three times and the term ‘motherfuckers’ once to express his anger towards Papa Dock and Lychety. 73. You fuck why would you say that shit in the car? Jimmy uses the copulative term ‘fuck’ and the excretory term ‘shit’ to show his anger because Future and the others are talking about Jimmy and Alex inside the car. 74. Fuck that I’m saving money to get the fuck out her mom. Jimmy uses this term for providing catharsis, because his mother told him that he has to pay the rent, but he refuses to pay it because he decides to save money and live alone. 75. You got to get out the fuck out to here. Jimmy uses this term because he is angry of his girlfriend, Janeane, as she always argues him and sticks to him just like leech. Jimmy uses the copulative term for providing catharsis to release pain. 76. Fuck you go home. Jimmy has an appointment with Alex and she is very angry with Janeane because she sticks to her and does not allow him to go out while Alex is waiting outside. This makes Jimmy swear at her and pushes her out. 77. What the fuck. Where the fuck you get that, man?
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Jimmy uses swearword ‘fuck’ two times for providing catharsis as he is angry with Cheddar, because he is playing with his gun and sometimes he is shooting gun in air. 78. Turn the fuck around. Jimmy uses this term to show his anger towards Cheddar Bob, because Cheddar did not pay attention to him. 79. Fucks don’t say shit to wink, Bob. Fuck you fuck. Jimmy uses this term ‘fuck’ to express his anger with Cheddar Bob because he insults Wink. The reason behind uttering a swearword is that Jimmy still wants to work with Wink while their friends advised him to depend on himself rather than on Wink. 80. Oh fuck, fuck. Jimmy and Alex hide themselves inside a closet at the same time they hear Koska comes in to the room that makes her feels angry and utter such swearwords for providing catharsis. 81. Fuck it. Jimmy uses the copulative term ‘fuck’ to express his feeling when Jimmy heard from Wink that Cheddar Bob shot free world guys yesterday. 82. You did fucking sign me up to battle down at the shelter this weekend. 83. Fuck the other I’m fucking, tire of you. 84. Well fuck you I told you not sign me up to battle. Jimmy uses these copulative terms in the three scenes to express his anger when he sees his friend Sol, Izzy and Future looking for battle and always remember him the yesterday night battle. 85. Janeane fucking, Janeane let me in. I’m fucking sorry let me in. The two copulative terms are used by Jimmy for providing catharsis. He expresses his anger when he is waiting under the pouring
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rain in front of Janeane house and he is knocking the door but there is no answer. 86. Why the fucks are you in such a good mood? The two terms ‘fuck’ are used by Jimmy for expressing his feeling. Some days ago he was treated in a bad way and dismissed but now she is very kind and treats him nicely. When he found the reason behind this change (that she visited Greg) he becomes angry with her. 87. Fuck off Cheddar Bob. This term is used by Jimmy to show his anger to Bob. If the boss would find out that Jimmy causes problems with Free World guys, he ‘might be dismissed in work. 88. Yeah what the fuck. Jimmy uses this term to express his feeling towards Cheddar Bob, because he is very talkative and Jimmy does not like to listen to him. 89. Fuck it, man I got to run. Jimmy uses this term to express his feeling. Jimmy is angry with what is going on. He asked a horse to run from the crowed and club to live in a free world far away from battle. 90. Cheddar: Let me see. Jimmy: Get the fuck off me. 91. That dude is practically living with my fucking mom. 92. Fuck you. Get out and walk. So fucking stupid! 93. it’s been a long fucking night. I don't give a fuck. 94. You ain't my fucking father! 95. Don’t play fucking stupid. Did you? Damn you were not fucking around, ere you James? In all the scenes above (91-95), Jimmy expresses his anger to Greg, because he feels unhappy when he sees his mother, Stephanie. with a stupid guy. The context in which the swearwords occur shows that Jimmy uses the swearwords for providing catharsis.
79
Future uses these swearwords ‘fucking’ two times for the purpose of providing catharsis because he is jealous and wants to know about the sexual relation between Jimmy and his girlfriend but Jimmy neglected him 96. What were you doing with those fuckers? 97. Do what the fuck you want to do? -I really fucking don't! David expresses his anger by using the swearwords ‘fuckers’, ‘fuck’, ‘fucking’. He uses these terms to relieve himself of pain. He wants to provide catharsis by uttering such words because he feels angry towards Jimmy. 98. People saying some fucked up shit. Hey fuck you man. Wink uses this term ‘fuck’ for providing catharsis, because what Jimmy does is not accepted by the most of people. That is why he uses this term to express his anger with Jimmy. 99. Where the fucks everybody else? Wink uses the term to show his anger of what is going on, because Sol and Izzy are also fired by Sol’s mom from the house. 100. It’s a fucking death trap. DJ Iz uses this term for providing catharsis because he feels anger of Sol and Bob. They always tell Jimmy to bring her mother car. 101. Fuck yeah. Sol uses this term for catharsis. He is angry with Jimmy because he wants to challenge Lychety, he pulls Jimmy to calm him down. He uses swearword ‘fuck’ in order to release his angry feeling. 102. What the fuck you are talking about? Shut up Izz who gives a fuck. Sol uses this term for expressing his angry feeling towards Izzy, because Izzy said that Michael Jackson tries to make himself white to please white American. Izzy always talks about Jackson and Sol feels
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that what he has done is shame for the black people. Sol thinks that both white and black are equal. 103. Rabbit the fuck you doing here. Greg uses this term for expressing anger towards Jimmy because Jimmy suddenly opens the door without knocking it. This makes Greg show his anger by swearing. 104. Fuck you, homo you okay? Cheddar Bob uses this term for providing catharsis because he is angry with Paul. 105. Yeah whatever fucks it? You know that fucking bitch. This term is used by Cheddar Bob to express his anger towards Jimmy because he is careless and looks at pretty girls. The swearword is used for providing catharsis. 106. That’s fucked you gonna get them back. Paul uses this term for expressing his feeling toward Jimmy he is angry of what happened to Jimmy last night and he encourages him to get his revenge of them. 107. Fuck, man. Who the fuck is you, Niger? This dialogue happens when Jimmy tries to be on-stage but the director does not let him in because, Jimmy is white. Jimmy feels annoyed and he uses the swearword ‘Niger’ for insulting the black director. 108. You shut up the fuck up, fool. In this utterance Future uses the copulative term ‘fuck’ and the imbecilic term ‘fool’ to insult Cheddar Bob. David always makes fun of Cheddar and uses the swearwords for humiliating Cheddar. 109. She is on me, you. We fucked this afternoon in this room.
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Jimmy uses the swearword ‘fucked’ for insulting Sol and other, because Jimmy had sexual intercourse with Alex in Sol’s room. So what had been done can be regarded as a humiliation for Sol. 110. Keep your fucking hands off my mom. Jimmy uses the anatomical term for the purpose of insulting. By using this term he humiliates Greg, Stephanie’s boyfriend, because Jimmy does not like to see Greg with his mother. 111. Guys are about fucking losers. Greg uses this copulative swearword for insulting Jimmy and he tells him that he and his friends are all losers and they stay at home without any job. Greg uses this term for insulting Jimmy and his mother and describes them as homeless. 112. How the fuck can I go out with someone who is homeless? 113. with two homeless fucking kids. Greg wants to insult Jimmy and Lily by using this term to describe them as homeless kids. In this situation, the copulative term ‘fuck’ and ‘fucking’ are used to swear for the purpose of humiliation. 114. You are going fuck with use? Papa Doc laughs at Jimmy and insults him by using the term ‘fuck’. 115. What the fuck were you thinking? "Fuck That Free World"? In this scene, Jimmy meets The Free World . Accidentally Cheddar, Jimmy's friend, yells "Fuck that Free World". Jimmy just copies Cheddar's conversation, so there is no reason for him to use swearwords. As it is known swearwords are used as vulgar language or dirty language for different reason but in this film there are lots of copulative terms are used as a habit by the female and male characters.
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4.1.2.2 Excretory Terms There are 60 excretory terms used by male and female characters in the film which represent (22.64%) of the total number of swearing. The male characters use this term (53) times and represent (20%) of the total number of swearing terms while the female characters use this term (7) times which represent (2.64%) of the total swearing.
1. Don’t say shit about my mom. This happens when Jimmy hears that his friends whisper with each other to make some gossips about Jimmy's life. Jimmy then shouts at them to create attention and not to gossip about his life, because he can hear what his friends have just said.
2. Oh this is the part where I’m supposed to like open up and share shit you right. The excretory term ‘shit’ is used by Jimmy to attract Alex’s attention to his speech. Jimmy and Alex are inside an empty elevator.
3. Shit yeah, but they down at the shelter tonight. 4. I don’t want to hear any more of that shit. Jimmy uses the term ‘shit’ in both scenes to attract Paul’s attention to what is going on to do with those guys who hurt him yesterday. He wants to inform Paul, Sol, Izzy and Cheddar Bob that he is going to attack Free World guys.
5. How can you fight about this shit now? All we ever do is talk shit!-Shit Jimmy uses the swearword ‘shit’ three times for the purpose of creating attention and to emphasize that he will defeat his opponents.
6. Spin that shit. David always uses ‘spin that shit’ phrases to create attention. As a host of the battle he expresses this utterance to create audience’s attention and to emphasize that the battle will be started soon.
7. Hit that shit. 83
8. Dj, spin that shit. 9. Dj, spin that shit. 10. Dj kicks that shit 11. A minute and a half! Spin that shit. 12. That shit was crazy. 13. Come on mister I’m trying to flip the scrip with that shit. 14. We gone flip the script on this shit for real now, jimmy aren’t we? Future uses the excretory term ‘shit’ several times for attracting his friend’s attention. The swearword ‘shit’ can be considered as the second term that is used for creating attention by Future. 15. Oh shit. Cheddar Bob uses this excretory term for creating attention. He wants to inform his friend that there is a white van chas ing them. 16. Shit! Stephanie uses the swearword ‘shit’ to create attention. She utters swearwords ‘shit’ to create Jimmy attention, because she wants to know what happened to him. 17. Oh shit. The term ‘shit’ is used by Stephanie for providing catharsis. When Stephanie and her boy’s friend Greg are busy with sexual activity suddenly the door is opened by Jimmy without knocking the door that is why she shows her anger by expressing the swearword ‘shit’. 17. Shit. There is my boss, I’m late come on. Alex also uses the term ‘shit’ to create attention because when she is speaking with Jimmy suddenly her boss appears. She wants to inform Jimmy that the boss is coming and it is better to get back to work as it is too late. 18. Yeah? Shit, Jimmy all that and prince too? Alex uses the term ‘shit’ for creating attention. She wants to attract Jimmy’s attention. 19. Yeah shit Jimmy.
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Alex encourages Jimmy and pushes him to fight those entire ‘motherfuckers’; she puts her hand on Jimmy shoulder and says Prince. The term ‘shit’ is used here for the purpose of providing catharsis, because Jimmy tries to run away and leaves her alone. 20. This shit is ridiculous. The swearword 'shit’ here refers to his unused car that was given to him by his mom. In this scene, Jimmy is disappointed because his car does not work. He wants to hang out with his friends but he does not have any transportation to get him to the Shelter. 21. You just told me that shit to get me stay. Jimmy uses the excretory term ‘shit’ for the purpose of discrediting because Janeane wants him to stay at home but Jimmy disagrees with her idea. 22. You, I don’t want to hear this shit. Jimmy uses the excretory term ‘shit’ for discrediting. Stephanie always talks about Greg and her sex life that is why Jimmy gets angry and expresses his feeling to discredit Stephanie because he wants Greg to leave his mother’s house immediately. 23. Yeah, I’m just done with all the bullshit you know what I’m saying. Jimmy uses the term ‘bullshit’ for swearing because he wants to go to work but David wants him to stay on stage and to be the host. The swearword ‘bullshit’ is used for the purpose of discrediting and to show his disagreement. 24. This shit won't even get me to the shelter. Leave him alone, fuck this is bullshit. Jimmy uses the swearwords ‘shit’ and ‘bullshit’ for the same purpose of discrediting. 25. Shit. Fucking him, fuck Greg.
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Jimmy expresses his discrediting because his mother always talks about getting rich and the relation between her and Greg but Jimmy does not like to hear about Greg and Prince. 26. Why does Manny give me so much shit all the time? 27. Burn this shit down to the ground. This happens when David and his friends get drunk and David shows dissatisfaction about his life by burning the unused old house. It means that David uses the swearwords ‘shit’ for discrediting. 28. 3 rd person? Shit I don’t want to bring to much negatively towards my positive, but he is not a good rapper. David in this scene uses the swearword ‘shit’ for the purpose of discrediting. He disagrees with Jimmy, because he thinks that Wink is not a good rapper and he is weak and cannot depend on him but, contrary to David, Jimmy believes that Wink can support him to play music successfully. 29. But all our shits still at Winks house, you. Izzy uses this term for discrediting, because he disagrees with Sol’s idea. Sol and his friends always depend on Wink, but Izzy refuses this. 30. I’m not getting back in that piece of shit. Jimmy wants Sol to check the electric system of the car but he does not like to do it that is why he uses this term to show that he refuses to do it. 31. Yet that’s why it look six of you motherfucker what kind of pussy shit is that? These swearwords are used by Jimmy to provoke violent confrontation, because Lychety and Papa Dock always insult Jimmy. As a reaction, Jimmy uses the swearwords ‘shit’ to show his anger. 32. I told you not to sign me up! You ain't the Future of shit. Jimmy gets angry with Future that is why he uses the two terms ‘fuck’ and ‘shit’ to provoke him, because Future always tries to sign him up to fight 86
with Free World guys. Here these guys control the whole situation they do not allow white rapper to take their role. David is trying to push Jimmy the white rapper to fight them. 33. What kind of shit you pulling Sol? Izzy uses this swearword for the purpose of provoking confrontation. In this scene Izzy tries to provoke Sol, because each one wants to get Alex a pretty girl. 34. Papa Dock and Lychety been talking shit. The term shit is used by Sol in this scene to provoke confrontation. He is ready to fight Lychety and Papa Doc. 35. You all motherfucker are weak and shit. In this scene Lychety wants to confront Jimmy and his friends. He is screams at Jimmy and others and uses the swearword ‘shit’ for insulting them in order to provoke violent confrontation. 36. You like taking shit? In this scene Papa Doc uses swearword ‘shit’ to insult Jimmy and in provoke confrontation. He shouts at Jimmy and humiliates him. 37. Hey talk that shit if you want, but I vouch for this motherfucker. The swearword 'shit' functions as strong interpersonal identification when David supports Jimmy, so that he can get his aims. David always supports Jimmy to be the best rapper in the town. 38. Why would you say that shit in the car? Jimmy uses the excretory term ‘shit’ to show his anger because Future and the others talk about Jimmy and Alex inside the car. He uses this swearword for the purpose of providing catharsis. 39. Keep your voice down shit I work here, you. Jimmy uses the swearwords ‘shit’ for providing catharsis. He expresses his angertowards Janeane because she needs to be with Jimmy where he goes. 87
40. Don’t say shit to wink, Bob. Jimmy uses this term to express his anger with Cheddar Bob because he insults Wink. The reason behind expressing his anger is that Jimmy still wants to work with Wink that is regarded by others as a weak rapper. 41. Shit. The swearword ‘shit’ is used by Jimmy for expressing his feeling. Some days ago Stephanie treated him in a bad way and dismissed him but now she is very kind and treats him nicely. When Jimmy finds the reason behind this change he gets angry because he found that she visited Greg, her boyfriend. 42. Put that shit away before you shoot one of us! The excretory term ‘shit’ is used by Jimmy for providing catharsis. Jimmy expresses his anger towards Wink as for playing with the gun. 43. If something is going to happen with this shit, it needs to happen now 44. I know why you said that bullshit. 45. it’s not you, okay? It's me. It's my shit. I had to go. And we never do shit. 46. Yeah, 1 heard that bullshit. Wink seems to be a burden to David. He thinks that Wink only talks but never acts. David hates Wink very much, that is why he expresses his feeling towards his friends so he can be some relief. He uses the swearword ‘shit’ and ‘bullshit’ from the scenes above for providing catharsis. 47. But Wink is just talking shit. There'll be no action, just talk. David knows that Wink is always proud of himself that he is a good rapper but in reality he is so weak and one cannot depend on him. David gets disappointed of Wink because he cannot put his speech into action. 48. People saying some fucked up shit.
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Wink uses this term for providing catharsis, because what Jimmy does is not accepted by most of people. That is why he uses this term to express his anger with Jimmy. 50. Cool .have Sole and DJ Iz bring their shit to my house? Wink uses the term ‘shit’ for providing catharsis because when he sees Jimmy in his house he gets angry 51. Shit you we were going to my show. Wink uses the swearword ‘shit’ to express his anger, because Jimmy pushes him out this makes Wink to express the word ‘shit’ to swear to be a little relief. 52. Rabbit better clean all this shit up in here. In this utterance Stephanie uses the phrase ‘shit up’ for the purpose of providing catharsis. This swearword refers to all the dirty things in the house that Jimmy has to clean up. She is now somehow angry with Jimmy because Stephanie is not feeling good. She got pain and told Jimmy to clean up the house. 53. Shit okay. In this situation Stephanie is so angry. She expresses her feeling by uttering this swearword ‘shit’ with the purpose of providing catharsis. 54. Mom I don't want to hear this shit. This excretory term is used by Jimmy when his mother talks about Greg. He uses it without any purpose of discrediting because he is not in agreement with his mother about what is going on at home especially about her relationship with Greg.
4.1.2.3 Mother-in-Law Terms There are (29) swearwords in mother-in-law terms that are used by male characters only. They represent (8.26%) from the total number of swearing expressions in 8 Mile film while the female characters do not use this term at all. 89
1. Some son of bitch called me a bus boy. Here Jimmy uses the mother-in-law term ‘son of bitch’ to attract Earl’s attention to Leonard because he wants to insult Jimmy by using the word ‘bus boy’. 2. You know rip that motherfucker from head to toe. Jimmy uses the swearword ‘motherfucker’ to attract Paul’s attention to what he is going to do with those guys who hurt him yesterday. He wants to inform Paul, Sol, Izzy and Cheddar Bob that he is going to attack Free World guys. 3. If you rap, you rap motherfucker. Future uses this term for the purpose of creating attention. He speaks to Jimmy and wants to be patient and neglects what people say. 4. Did I hear one of you motherfucker say prince. Future uses this swearword ‘motherfucker’ to attract his friends’ attention to the fact that Jimmy is called prince and really he is lucky. 5. Let this motherfucker feel it! 6. Come to the stage, motherfuckers. In the two scenes above the term ‘motherfucker’ is used by David to attract Jimmy’s attention. He asks Jimmy to come to stage and to show his ability in front of the audience. 7. You know I didn’t like that motherfucker ‘Wink’ from jump. David uses the ‘motherfucker’ term for the purpose of discrediting. By swearing, David wants to show his hatred to Wink because he does not like to see him on the stage. He wants to tell Jimmy that the results of the fight will be in his favor and it does not need to be hesitated. 8. He is not a good rapper, that motherfucker weak. Future in this scene uses the swearword ‘motherfucker’ for the purpose of discrediting. Future disagrees with Jimmy, because he thinks 90
that Wink is not a good rapper and he is very weak and nobody can depend on him while he believes that Wink can support him to play music successfully 9. We need motherfucker deal fine women and cars not know motherfucking saving bonds fool. Sol uses the term ‘motherfucker’ two times for discrediting because Izzy decides to save money to build a studio but, Sol disagrees with the idea. 10 Yet that’s why it look six of you motherfucker what kind of pussy shit is that? These swearwords are used by Jimmy to provoke violent confrontation, because Lychety and Papa Dock insult Jimmy. As a reaction, Jimmy uses the swearwords to show his anger towards them. 11. Fucking motherfuckers I’ll fucking kill those fucking pussies. Jimmy uses the swearword ‘motherfucking’ to provoke violent confrontation.
The swearword is directed to Lychety and Papa Dock
because these two persons are the leader of Free World group that always threat Jimmy and they don’t like to see him on the stage. 12. Motherfucker! Jimmy uses this term for provoking. In this scene, Jimmy tries to defend her mother against his step-father due to the non-payment of the rent. 13. Listen up now leader of the free world in the motherfucking hou se. 14. You all motherfucker are weak and shit. 15. Fuck you motherfucker. In all three scenes above (13-15) Lychety expresses his anger with Jimmy’s being on stage and uses the swearword ‘motherfucker’ to provoke Jimmy and his friends. He screams at Jimmy and others and uses different types of swearwords for insulting them in order to provoke violent confrontation. 16. Hey talk that shit if you want, but I vouch for this motherfucker. 91
The first 'motherfucker' which functions to create strong interpersonal identification occurs when David supports Jimmy. He believes that his friend can do better than the challenger 17. He's a motherfucking genius. The other example is when David convinces the audiences that Jimmy is a genius rapper. He can defeat his opponent easily but, it seems that Jimmy is not in the mood to fight and thus leaves the show ground with no permission. 18. No, you were scared, motherfucker! The term ‘motherfucker’ is used by David to show familiarity or creating strong personal identification. The use of swearword ‘motherfucker’ does not mean that David uses it as a bad language but to convey the meaning of familiarity. 19. Yea come on motherfucker. 20. Fucking motherfuckers! Jimmy uses the term ‘motherfucker’ for providing catharsis, because he expresses his anger towards Lychety. In this situation he is on the stage and shouts at Lychety and Papa Dock to come on and to fight. 21. I want to jump those Free World motherfuckers first. Jimmy uses this term for providing catharsis . Cheddar Bob wants him to go to Wink’s house but, Jimmy wants to go to fight the Free World. 22. Jealous? You crazy, motherfucker? The swear word “motherfucker” is used by David for the purpose of providing catharsis because David does not like Wink and when Wink says that David is jealous he gets angry. 23. You crazy motherfucker.
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Future uses the term ‘motherfucker’ to show and express his anger. This term is directed to Jimmy because he is stopped by big guys who are hated by Future. 24. Fuck you motherfucker! Lychety starts to insult Jimmy. He swears and scream at Jimmy by using the term ‘motherfucker’.
4.1.2.4 Sexual Irregularities Terms There are 14 sexual terms used by male and female characters in film which represent (5.28%) of the total number of swearing expressions. The male characters use this term (13) times while the female characters use this term only once. 1. You did a good job, Lil' Bitch. I mean, Lil' Tic. This happens when Jimmy has a fight with Lily Tic and Future tries to make a joke to create the audience's attention by substituting Lil Tic to Lil' Bitch just to make some jokes. 2. Yeah we are going to get the entire hot bitch now. Cheddar Bob uses this term to attract his friends’ attention to the fact that it is their time to get Alex and other bitches. He wants to take everything of Jimmy even his girlfriend Alex. 3. I bet that bitch lying Rabbit. This sexual term is uttered by Cheddar Bob to attract Jimmy’s attention. He intends to inform Jimmy that what is said by Janeane is not true. 4. No you just need to forget that Janeane bitch, Rabbit. Cheddar Bob uses two sexual terms to attract Jimmy’s attention. He wants to ensure Jimmy that after wining he could get a lot of fine bitches, now he has to forget this bitch Janeane. 5. What's your problem, bitch? Don't kick my clothes!
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In this scene Jimmy shows his anger towards Greg. He uses the swear word ‘bitch’ to provoke Greg because Greg is a jobless and careless person and behaves as if he is the owner of the house. Jimmy cannot bear his bullshit and tries to fight with him 6. Who you calling a faggot? Don't play yourself, bitch. In this scene David confronts Wink because he cannot stand Wink's bullshit. David tries to provoke Wink by using 'bitch' swearword, hoping that David can make some physical injuries to Wink. 7. Come on Rabbit get back up, bet up bitch. 8. You really going to battle, black eye bitch. In all scenes above Lychety wants to confront Jimmy and his friends. He is screaming at Jimmy and other and uses different types of swearwords for insulting them in order to provoke violent confrontation. Now Lychety is ready to challenge and fight Jimmy and describes him as a bitch and calling him to come on stage to fight. 9. Fucking kill you own self, bitch. The two terms ‘fucking’ and ‘bitch’ are used by Jimmy for providing catharsis, because his friends Sol, Izzy and Cheddar Bob talk about his mother ‘Stephanie’ as a reaction to their gossip he uses these terms to swear at them. 11. That made me like a real bitch. Alex is very angry with Jimmy’s attitudes in this situation that look at her as real bitch. She uses the term ‘bitch’ for providing catharsis. This swearword is used by Alex because she cannot work for long time as a tea girl serving lady. She suggests going with Jimmy wherever he wants but, he looks at her as a bitch. 12. We need fine bitches and pat rides. 13. Are they killing that bitch or what?
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Cheddar Bob uses the term ‘bitch’ when he sees Izzy, Sol and Jimmy grabbing Alex. He is angry with what is going on, because he sees Alex grabbed by Jimmy and others. This scene makes him swear at them in order to get some relief from pain. 14. You little bitch. Izzy uses this swearword for the purpose of provoking confrontation. In this scene Izzy tries to provoke Sol because each one wants to get Alex a blonde girl.
4.1.2.5 Anatomical Terms These terms are used by both male and female characters. The male characters in general use these terms (8) times which represent (2.64 %) from the total number of swearing expressions in film while the female characters use this term only once. 1. Big tities. 2. Big tities. Future uses the swearword ‘tities’ two times for creating attention. He wants to attract other’s attention to the case that he wants to be with a power person ‘Cheddar Bob’. 3. Trying to keep us in division with that fake-ass Big Willie wants to be talk. The swearword ‘fake ass’ is used by David. He expresses his disbelief by saying that swearword which is directed to Wink. The reason behind swearing is that Wink always promises Jimmy to support him and to make him popular but he cannot keep his promise that is why David always discredits Wink. 4. Keep your hand off my mom, asshole. Jimmy uses this term for the purpose of provoking, because he is angry with Greg’s behavior. He suffers when he sees his mother has sexual relation with Step hanie. 95
5. You some guys just getting their ass kicked. In the scene above Papa Doc uses the swearword ‘ass’ for provoking Jimmy. He shouts at Jimmy and insults him. 6. Call me a faggot again and I’ll eat your ass. The swearword ‘ass’ is used habitually by Paul when he talks to Cheddar Bob. 7. You are going hoop that Niger ass. In the scene above Sol uses the swearword ‘ass’ for creating strong personal identification. Sol calls his friend with the swearword ‘Niger ass’. He uses the term to create a strong personal identification only without intending to injure his feeling. 8. I’m not going be hardly wait to get out this shithole before I kill somebody. This swearword ‘shithole’ is used by Alex because she cannot work for long as a maid serving a lady and her daughters. She is angry with Jimmy and she uses this term for the purpose of providing catharsis.
4.1.2.6 Animal Terms The animal terms are used only by the male characters. They are not used by female characters. The male characters use these terms (9) times which represent (2.56%) from the total number of swearing. 1. My house dog. 2. Now he is prince again dog. 3. You dogs you got four days. Wink uses the animal terms for calling his colleagues for the purposes of identification. The use of this term does not hurt the feeling of other but it is used as a familiarity. 4. Why are you thinking, we still living at home, dog? 5. Its fucking 6:30 in the morning dog. Sol looks at Jimmy half asleep that is why he uses these two animal terms to create strong personal identification or familiarity. 96
6. You let me finish dog. 7. She is so fucking dog. 8. Where is your mom dog? In the entire scenes above he uses six swearwords for creating identification. Sol calls his friend with swearwords dog. He uses these terms to create a strong personal identification only without the intention of hurting the feeling of each other. Here the swearwords are used as a means for familiarity. 9. Wink is scandalous, dog. Again, Wink seems to be a burden to David. David hates Wink very much, that is why he expresses his feeling towards his friends so he can be a little relief.
4.1.2.7 Religious Terms These terms are used by the male and female characters (8) times in the 8 Mile film which represent (2.57%) from the total number of swearing. The male characters use these terms (1) time while the female characters use these terms (7) times of the total number of swearing during their conversation. 1. Oh my god what happened to you? 2. Goddamnit. Stephanie uses the term ‘Goddamnit’ for providing catharsis because she feels angry when her boyfriend left her alone and she could not pay the rent of the house. She expresses her anger towards Jimmy by uttering such terms. 3. Jim, Jim Jimmy, Jimmy oh my God. Janeane uses the religious term ‘oh my God’ for expressing her feeling towards Jimmy, her boyfriend, because he insists on leaving her that is why she shows her anger towards Jimmy. 4. Goddamn. Don't you ever shut up? 97
In this scene, David orders Wink to shut his mouth because he talks much. David thinks that Wink can become a burden to his friends, so he shouts at Wink expressing his anger. 5. Oh my God. This term is used by Stephanie when she sees Jimmy with a bloody shirt and face in a mess. She expresses her anger about what is going on in her family. So this religious term is used for providing catharsis. 6. I just served, Goddamnit we are getting evicted, why me? Stephanie uses this term ‘Goddamnit’ for the purpose of providing catharsis because she is angry as She will be dismissed from her new work. 7. Oh my god Greg cannot find out. The term ‘oh my god’ is used by Stephanie for providing catharsis. She wants to show her anger towards Jimmy because Jimmy does not like Greg who is the mother’s boyfriend. She wants to pay the rent but she could not. 8. Jesus, the both of you are you know. This term is used by Stephanie to show her anger about what is going on between her boyfriend and his son. She uses the term for providing catharsis in order to get relieved from her pain. 9. Do you want some goddamn cereal or not? The religion term ‘Goddamn’ is used by Stephanie. She uses this term habitually without any purpose.
4.1.2.8 Death Terms There are 6 swearwords used by all characters in film which represent (1.70%) of total number of swearwords in the film. This term is used by male characters (4) times while the female’s characters use it (2) times. 98
1. Damnit! 2. Damnit! Jimmy's mother, Stephanie, is shocked because she thinks that Greg will leave her abandoned. In this situation she is angry with what is going on in her house; that is why she uses the term ‘Damnit’ for providing catharsis. 3. Damn you were not fucking around, were you James? Future uses the swearword ‘damn’ for the purpose of providing catharsis because he is jealous and wants to know about the sexual rela tion between Jimmy and his girlfriend, but Jimmy neglected him. 4. Hell yeah, I am sinner, James what’s your g irl’s name? In this situation Future uses the death term to show his anger, because Jimmy does not listen to Future when he talks to him. 5. You should as ‘hell’ going battle if Alexis there. Future uses this death term for providing catharsis also. He is anger of Jimmy because his steps does not satisfy Future 6. Damn B- we gone fuck up Wink. He uses the term ‘Damn’ for discrediting because Jimmy wants to depend on Wink.
4.1.2.9 Racial Terms From the analysis of swearwords that are used by all the characters , that there are few racial swearwords used in the 8 Mile film. The male characters use these terms (6) times in conversation which represent (1.70%) from the total number of swearwords used in film while the female characters do not use racial terms at all. 1. It’s a car Niger. The term ‘Niger’ is used for creating identification not for insulting, because the black people use racial term to call each other.
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Thus Izzy uses the term to call Sol as he feels cold and gets angry with him. 2. You are going hoop that Niger ass. 3. So what Niger I’s still fuck? In the entire scenes above Sol uses the swearword ‘Niger’ two times for creating identification. He calls his friends with swearwords ‘Niger’ to create a strong personal identification only without intending to injure the feeling of each other. 4. Who the fuck is you, Niger. Jimmy tries to be on-stage but the director does not let him in because Jimmy is white. Jimmy feels annoyed and he shouts at him to provoke the director by using the term ‘Niger’. Therefore, the swearword ‘Niger’ is used for the purpose of insulting. 5. Niger we need a motherfucker deal. Sol uses the racial term ‘Niger’ when he speaks with Izzy. He uses it for the purpose of a familiarity. This term is used often by black characters in the film to create identification. 6. How the fucks are we brothers? Niger. The racial term ‘Niger’ is used by Sol for creating strong personal identification or familiarity.
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4.2 Analysis of the Swearing in ‘Nutty Professor’ Film 4.2.1 Introductory Background ‘Nutty Professor’ is a science fiction comedy film starring by Eddy Murphy. The film was released in 1995 and directed by Tom Shadyac. This film is the story of Sherman Klump, a shy and overweight professor, who, after meeting the beautiful graduate student Carla Purty, decides to become slim to have a chance to get romantically interested in him. He invented a powerful drug that makes people lose lots of weight immediately. When Sherman used the formula he became slim and called himself Buddy when he did not use it, he suddenly turns back like before. In this film Sherman has double personalities, but Carla does not realize that Buddy and Sherman are the same person. In this film almost all the characters are American Negroes and almost all the members of the family use different types of swearwords when talking to each other 4.2.2 Categories and Functions of Swearing in ‘Nutty Professor’ Film There are various kinds of swearing expressions used by all characters for different purposes. Table (3) shows the categories of swearwords based on theory of classification as described in chapter two. Table (4) shows the main functions of swearing done by female and male characters in the film. 4.2.2.1 Anatomical Terms The most frequent type of swearwords used in the film entitled (Nutty professor) is the ‘anatomical’ term. It is this term which refers to the human anatomy which occurs (38) times and represents (40.42%) of the total swearing. This term is used by both female and male characters in film. 1. It is almost like we don't see your ass no more. The swearword ‘your ass’ is used by Sherman's father for humiliating. He is angry and uses this term to insult Sherman, because Sherman never
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visits his family any more for a long time and it makes his father feel that he is ignored by his son. 2. Not tonight, Cletus I'll kick your ass. The swearword ‘your ass’ in this utterance means ‘Cletus buttock’. Sherman's grandmother is very upset with Cletus because he always bothers her and makes fun of her. Therefore Sherman’s grandmother in her dialogue uses swearword to insult Cletus. 3. Oprah and Luther need to keep their ass one weight, cause I'm confused. Sherman’s grandmother uses this swearword to discredit Oprah and Luther. Oprah has huge body and Luther is a black American Negro. Both of them had an operation to lose weight because people believe that a beautiful and handsome person should have a slim body. Sherman's grandmother disagrees with their ideas and with the public opinion about the criteria of handsome and beautiful people. Sherman's grandmother has an opinion that their buttock must be in one weight. 4. Only thing you need to study is your ass. 5. I got a big ass. 6. Your mama got a big ass. Here Sherman's father uses those swearwords to discredit Sherman's attitude and way of thinking. Sherman tries to make his body slim and lose weight. His father is upset and disagrees with this idea because he thinks that a big body has become one of the Klump's characteristics. All of the members of the family have a big body. Therefore Sherman must accept his condition and be grateful for his body now. 7. You do have a big ass. The swearword ‘ass’ is used by Sherman's father to discredit Sherman's way of thinking. Sherman's father cannot accept Sherman's idea to lose his weight. It has become a tradition that in their family all the
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members have a big body. Sherman looks good with his big body now and he does not need to change appearance. 8. Asses are big in our family. This swearword ‘asses’ is used for discrediting Sherman by his father. Still Sherman's father is angry with what Sherman thinks about it and still they are arguing about a big body and slim body. 9. You can sew up your stomach and your asshole. This swearword is used by Sherman's father to provide catharsis. He does not want Sherman to create a diet drug. Sherman’s father thinks that drinking the diet drug can make him sick. His father really expresses his anger by uttering swearwords. 10. The only thing about to break through is your ass through the seat of your pants. Sherman's father uses the anatomical term ‘your ass’ to provide catharsis to express his anger with Sherman's idea for making a drug. By creating that drug he will be able to lose weight. His father disagrees and says that the only thing Sherman needs to find out is his buttock through the seat of his pants 11. You can talk about putting a tube in somebody's ass, but I can't break wind. This anatomical term is used by Sherman's father to insult his wife. He is upset with his wife because she talks about cleaning the bathroom tube while they are having dinner. In his opinion, breaking wind and talking about cleaning the bathroom tube is a disgusting thing to talk about while eating. In this situation Sherman’s father is very upset of what his wife does. 12. I didn't say anything about putting a hose up nobody's ass. Sherman's mother uses the anatomical term ‘ass’ in the phrase ‘nobody's ass’ to insult her husband. She wants to defend herself from her husband’s words. When she talks about cleaning the bathroom tube, it does 103
not mean that she wants to talk dirty things while eating. She only wants to say that she has a plan to clean the house. 13. You think you run your asshole by the car wash. Sherman's father uses the swearwords ‘asshole’ to insult his wife. Her wife says that she does not put a pipe in nobody's ass. Then, he replies saying that she washes her anus by car washer. By uttering these words he intends to insult his wife. 14. I'll toss this between the cracks of your ass. Sherman's mother is very angry with Sherman's father because he always humiliates her. Then, she uses the swearwords in her conversation with a purpose to provide catharsis. It means that Sherman's grandmother wants to express her anger by uttering swearwords. 15. I hope you fart till your asshole falls out. Sherman's grandmother uses the anatomical term ‘asshole’ to insult Sherman's father. She is upset with his behavior, because he always breaks wind while he is eating. Then, she insults him that his asshole will fall out if continuing to break wind. 16. Get your lazy ass up. The swearword ‘ass’ is used by Sherman's mother to insult her husband. Sherman's mother asks her husband to clean the rubbish that is in front of their house, but he does not want to do it, he starts watching TV. His wife is really upset and insults him to take his lazy buttock up and clean the garbage. 17. Yeah, man, I bet I cut his fat ass open, it'd bled chocolate milk. The anatomical term ‘ass’ is used by Reggie to insult Sherman Klump. Sherman is having a date with Carla Purty, and then Reggie finds a good object for a joke. He insults Sherman that his buttock is so big. If he cut it, there will be a lot of chocolate milk coming out from his buttock. 104
18. Hey, everyone, run for the hills! It's Fat-Zillah! He looks like a kingKong with tities. The word ‘tities’ comes from the word ‘tit’ which means breast. Reggie uses the anatomical words ‘tities’ to insult Sherman Klump. Sherman is dreaming that he turns into a huge man who looks like a King-Kong to frighten people. Then, he meets Reggie that insults him as a Fat-Zillah with big breasts, the same as a woman's breast. 19. My ass is gone now. The word ‘my ass’ is used by Buddy to create attention that he can create a diet drug that makes him thin and has a new identity as Buddy Love. When he sees his body in the mirror, he becomes very happy because his big buttock has already gone. 20. No tities The swearword ‘tities’ in this phrase means no breast. Buddy still stands in front of the mirror and feels happy with the new body. His big breasts have already gone. Buddy uses the anatomical term ‘no tities’ to create attention. He shouts loudly to attract people's attention and make all people know that he is slim now. 21. My tities are gone. In this utterance, the word my ‘tities’ refers to Buddy's big breasts. Buddy uses the anatomical term ‘tit’ in the phrase ‘my tities’ to create attention. Here, Buddy repeats the word my tities again. By repeating the word, Buddy feels that he can show his new body to people. 22. Your tities are lovely. The word ‘your tities’ in this utterance means woman's breasts. Buddy uses the anatomical term in the phrase ‘your tities’ also to create attention. He uses it to admire ‘woman's breast’. Buddy meets a beautiful woman with a big breast. Buddy praises her and says to her that she has a beautiful breast. 23. Ok, let's get a big round of applause for Reggie's mama's ass ... that 105
brought us so much Joys tonight. Buddy uses the anatomical term ‘mama's ass’ to insult Reggie. Buddy intends to revenge from what Reggie does to Sherman on his last visit in the inn. Then, Buddy makes a joke about Reggie's mother. He asks all the audience to give a big clap for Reggie's mama's buttock, which gives them a lot of fun. 24. Yeah! That is a big ass! Buddy uses the word ‘big ass’ to provoke Reggie. Buddy intends to make Reggie angry and gives replies to his joke. Buddy tries to play on Reggie's feeling by repeating to the audience that Reggie's mama's buttock is so big. 25. I tried to be peaceful but now it's time for Reggie to ‘characterize’ your ass. The swearword ‘ass’ in this utterance means Buddy's buttock. This swearword is used by Reggie to provide catharsis. Reggie has been influenced by Buddy's speech. He is very angry and feels hurt with Buddy and his disgusting jokes, that’s why he expresses his anger through swearword, 26. Yeah, I figure your fat ass would remember somebody's sandwich flying of a building. The word ‘fat ass’ in this utterance refers to Sherman's grandmother buttock. Sherman's father uses the swearword ‘fat ass’ to insult Sherman's grandmother. She works at sky scraper. She tells that her lunch blew down from sixth floor to the first floor. Sherman's father does not believe her story and insults her that her buttock is the only witness at that time. 27. I ain't paying for a big ass wedding. The word ‘big ass’ in this utterance refers to Sherman's wedding ceremony. This term is used by Sherman’s father for familiarity because it refers to American Negroes identity. Sherman's father says that he will not 106
pay a fat man wedding ceremony. The wedding of a fat man will cause a big payment. 28. Tradition, my ass! The swearword ‘my ass’ refers to Sherman's father’s buttock. He uses the swearword ‘my ass’ to discredit about the wedding tradition. It has been a tradition that the bride has the right to choose the wedding place. Carla is born in Chicago, so the wedding will be held in Chicago. Sherman’s father says that it will cost much money for the ticket flight to Chicago. Thus it will be better that the weeding be held in their house and it does not need to follow the old tradition. 29. This young lady is suffering from what (like to call tank ass. The word ‘tank ass’ in this utterance means a fat lady. Buddy uses the anatomical term ‘tank ass’ to insult a lady in the restaurant who has a fat body. Buddy is having a meeting with his client to talk about the diet drug. Both of them are discussing this invention in a restaurant. When they are discussing it, he sees a fat lady in the corner. Then, he insults the lady that her body looks like a tank ass. 30. Go on, leave! There's more tities over here anyway! The word ‘more tities’ is used by Buddy to insult Carla Purty. Buddy asks Carla to spend a night with him in a hotel. Carla feels humiliated by his words. Then Carla hits Buddy and leaves him. He said to Carla that there are many women who like to spend a night with him. Here in this utterance the women are symbolized by the word tities. 31. Think I want them two tities. The word ‘two tities’ in this utterance means Carla's breast. Buddy uses the word ‘two tities’ to provoke Carla Purty. When Carla refuses his request to spend a night with him, Buddy becomes angry. He tries to hide his anger by insulting Carla. He said that he can find more women to spend a 107
night with him. 32. I have six tities. The phrase ‘six tities’ in this utterance is used by Buddy as a symbol to represent three women. The word ‘six tities’ is used to insult Carla Purty. He wants to say that there are three beautiful women they really love him and it does not matter whether she refuses him or not. 33. Hey, tank ass! The swearword ‘tank ass’ refers to Sherman Klump who is insulted by Buddy. Sherman wants to dismiss Buddy from his organization. However, Buddy does not want to leave Sherman's organization. They have a quarrel and insult each other. Buddy insults Sherman that he is a tank ass. 34. Listen, you pompous boot-kisser. The swearword ‘boot kisser’ is used by Mr. Harlan to insult Mr. Richmond. Mr. Richmond is a dean of college where Sherman works as a science professor. Mr. Richmond always praises Mr. Harlan to attract his attention in order to donate his money in university 35. If I drink milliliters of formula, I'll have enough cellular stability to rid of Sherman's ass forever! The phrase ‘Sherman's ass’ in this utterance means Sherman's buttock. Buddy uses the swearword ‘ass’ to insult Sherman. He is fighting with Sherman's assistant in the laboratory. Sherman's assistant says that he will dismiss Buddy from Sherman's staff. Buddy laughs at him and replies that Sherman's big buttock will be fired from his staff. 36. You fat-ass! The word ‘fat ass’ in this utterance means a fat man. Buddy uses the word ‘fat ass’ to insult Sherman. Buddy really gets upset because he could not dismiss him therefore he starts to insult Sherman. 37. I ain't gonna be picking up you big ass all night. Buddy uses the anatomical term in the phrase ‘big ass’ to insult 108
Sherman. He uses this swearword when he is defeated by Sherman because he succeeds to dismiss Buddy from his staff, that is why Buddy is upset and expresses his anger by using this swearword to insult Sherman. 38. Oh no! Who is sucking whose tities over here? The word ‘tities’ is used by Reggie to insult Sherman who is going to the bar with Carla. At the bar, Reggie sees Sherman and Carla; he insults Sherman that his breast is so big and it looks like a mother who suckled her child. In this case, the mother is symbolized with Sherman and the child is Carla. 4.2.2.2 Death Terms Death terms refer to something which makes people fear to face something. The examples are (damn, hell). Death terms are the second most frequent term used by the characters in this movie which occur (19) times and represents (20.21%) from the total number of swearwords in the film. 1. You know where that comes from? Watching that damn TV. The swearword ‘damn’ in this utterance is used by Sherman's father to discredit the public opinion. Sherman tries to invent a diet drug because he wants to lose his weight. His father disagrees with his thoughts. Sherman's father says that Sherman gets this stupid idea from the advertisement that talks about diet, because he watches too much TV program. 2. Damn, Daddy you rotten. Sherman's brother uses the swearword ‘damn’ to insult his father. Sherman's father always breaks wind during the eating time. Sherman's brother really upset with his father. Then, he swears at him and makes his father realizes that his fart has a horrible smell. 3. Shoot the damn dog! Sherman's father uses the swearword ‘damn’ to provide catharsis. The dog ruins his rubbish and his wife wants him to clean all the mess. He is 109
really bothered with his wife's words, and then asks her to shoot the dog. By killing the dog, the entire problem will be ended. 4. Mind your own damn business. Sherman's father uses the word ‘damn’ to provide catharsis. He feels worried about his wife’s complaints. Then, he asks his wife to take care of her duty and not to bother him anymore. 5. Well, I'll be damned! Buddy uses the swearword ‘damned’ to create attention. After drinking the diet formula, he can turn into a thin and lose all of his fats. The word ‘damned’ here gives a strong emphasis to Buddy's happiness. 6. Oh damn! Ladies and gentlemen. Buddy uses the swearword ‘damn’ to provoke Reggie. Buddy wants to challenge him and makes him angry. Buddy talks to the audience that they will present a special show for tonight. 7. Damnit! And where the hell is Buddy Love. The swearword ‘damn’ is used by Mr. Richmond to provide catharsis to Buddy. Mr. Richmond and Mr. Harlan have been waiting Buddy for a long time and he does not appear yet. Mr. Richmond feels angry and he swears at Buddy in order to have a little relief. 8. You're getting on my damn nerves! Shut up! Sherman's mother uses the swearword ‘damn’ to provide catharsis to her husband. In the party, Sherman's father always complains about everything and it makes Sherman's mother angry. She swears at her husband to shut his mouth up. 9. That's strike three, Damnit! Don't you walk away from me? The swearword ‘Damnit’ is used by Sherman's father to provoke his wife. His wife wants to leave him alone at the party. Then, he shouts at his wife and swears at her. 10. You damn right, hamster boy. 110
The swearword ‘damn’ is used by Sherman's assistant to insult Buddy because he feels that Sherman would be insulted. Buddy laughs at him and says that Sherman would be dismissed from the staff forever. The whole body will be his body. 11.Damn! Give it up, fat boy! It's over. Buddy uses the word ‘damn’ to insult Sherman. Sherman and Buddy are struggling. Buddy wants to defeat Sherman and controls the whole organization alone. He swears at Sherman and asks him to give up. 12.Well, I'll be damned. Buddy uses the word ‘damned’ to provide catharsis to express his hurt feeling. Sherman has defeated Buddy Love. Buddy feels disappointed and he swears at Sherman to express his sadness. 13. He was too damn scrawny! The swearword ‘damn’ is used by Carla to insult Buddy because he is so offensive. Carla falls in love with Sherman because she thinks that Sherman is the right person. 4.2.2.3 Excretory Terms An excretory term is a term which means to get rid of the solid waste matter. The examples of this term are (shit, piss, fart, etc.). This kind of term is the third most frequent term used by the characters in the movie which represents 13.82% of the total number of swearwords. This kind of term has a quite strong emotive feeling when it is uttered by someone. 1. Man, it's so small he needs tweezers to take a piss. Reggie uses the swearword ‘piss’ in the phrase ‘take a piss’ to insult one of the white guys in his show. Reggie is a black Negro and thus hates white guys. Reggie insults the man that his penis is so small until he needs tweezers when he takes a piss. 2. That’s funny shit. You're on your way. Buddy uses the swearword ‘shit’ to insult Reggie. Reggie is making a 111
joke about women and shopping. Buddy wants to insult him by making fun of him. 3. Reggie, your breath is so stink, people look forward to your farts. The excretory term fart in the phrase is used by Buddy to insult Reggie. Buddy makes a joke about Reggie's teeth. His teeth are buck tooth and Buddy uses it as a joke. He says that Reggie's teeth smell horrible until the audience compared it with a fart. 4. Breaths smell like shit. The word ‘shit’ in this utterance means feces. Buddy uses the word ‘shit’ to insult Reggie. Buddy insults him that his breath smells like feces which means that his breath smells horrible. 5. Do you smell shit? 6. I smell shit! The word ‘shit’ in both of the utterances means feces. Buddy uses the word ‘shit’ to provoke Reggie. Buddy makes fun of Reggie. He wants Reggie to get angry and embarrasses him on his own show. 7. Enough! Silent! I can’t take this shit no more. The swearword ‘shit’ in this utterance means foolish talk or nonsense. Reggie uses the term ‘shit’ to provide catharsis. He has been provoked by Buddy’s words. He is really angry and cannot stand it anymore. 8. Oh Reggie, I heard of dread locks, but shitlocks? The word ‘shitlocks’ in this utterance means feces. Buddy uses the swearword ‘shitlocks’ to insult Reggie. He makes fun of Reggie's hair. Reggie has a short curly hair. He says that Reggie's hair is like a group of feces on his head. 9. That's not you hair. Take that pile of shit of your head. The excretory term ‘shit’ in the phrase ‘pile of shit’ means a mound of feces. The word ‘pile of shit’ is used by Buddy to insult Reggie.
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10. Oh, man! This is Freddy Krueger shit, man. The word ‘shit’ in this utterance means jerk. The swearword shit is used by Buddy to express his shock feeling. He is shocked when he realizes that Sherman's assistant is in his car. He has fears that his double identity will be uncovered by people 11. I don’t want to hear her shit while I'm eating The swearword ‘shit’ in this utterance means nonsense. Sherman’s father uses the word to insult Sherman's grandmother. The Klumps and Carla are having dinner together. Sherman's grandmother tells about her teenage life, when she had dates with some guys. He tells her that he does not want to hear nonsense while eating. 12. Do you know you can get arrested in states for the shit you did last night. The swearword ‘shit’ in this utterance means sex activity. Buddy uses the excretory term ‘shit’ to provoke Sherman. When Sherman turns into Buddy, he makes a sex party in his house. Buddy says to Sherman that he can be arrested for his activity last night. 13. Sherman, you can't beat me! This is so miscarry shit. Buddy uses the swearword ‘shit’ to provide catharsis. Sherman has realized his mistakes and he wants to take his body again and dismiss Buddy Love. Buddy is afraid of it and expresses his fear by uttering the word ‘shit’. Here, Buddy is so angry that he expresses his emotional feeling in order to relax his tension. 4.2.2.4 Religious Terms A religious term is a term related to God such as (Gosh, Goddamn, Jesus Christ) which represents (6.38%) of the total number of swearwords used in the film.
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1. Goddamn, Sherman, it's almost like we don't see your ass no more. The swearword ‘Goddamn’ is used by Sherman's father as identification. He is upset with Sherman because he never stays at home. Sherman spends much of his time at work and he rarely visits his parents. This condition makes Sherman's father upset and feel neglected. 2. Goddamnit, I messed up my pants. The swearword ‘Goddamn’ in this context is used by Sherman's father to create attention. Sherman's father always breaks wind while eating. Suddenly, when he breaks wind, he messed up his shorts. He really feels ashamed with this condition. He uses swearword ‘Goddamn ‘to express his feeling and to inform the others that he messed up his shorts. 3. Shut the hell up there, Goddamnit. The two swearwords ‘hell’ and ‘Goddamnit’ in this utterance are used by Sherman's neighbor to provoke Sherman, because Sherman and Carl are happy with each other now and they are singing loudly late at night which makes his neighbor feel worried and swear at him to calm him down. 4. Quit down, Goddamnit. Sherman's neighbor uses the swearword ‘Goddamn’ to provide catharsis. Sherman continues to sing loudly at night, his neighbor really gets annoyed and expresses his annoyance by swearing at Sherman. 5. Don't walk away from me, Goddamnit. Sherman's father uses the swear word ‘Goddamn’ to provoke his wife. Sherman's father is going to a party with his wife. In the party, his wife leaves him alone. He feels angry and swears at her. 6. Ahhh! Sweet Jesus! Sherman, don't do this! You need me. The word ‘Sweet Jesus’ in this utterance is used by Buddy to provide catharsis. When Buddy is dismissed, he feels angry and he swears at Jesus and asks for his help. The word ‘Sweet Jesus’ has a very beautiful meaning for the Christian, but it is used as a swearword in this utterance. 114
4.2.2.5 Animal Terms An animal term is a term that refers to kinds of animal, which are used to make fun of or compare people with. The examples of this subject are (pig you, cow, sow, etc.) this term represents (5.31 %) of the total number of swearing in film. 1. Oprah was a fox! The swearword ‘a fox’ in this utterance is used by Sherman's grandmother to insult Oprah Winfrey. Oprah is a fat lady but, after having an operation she lost lots of her weight and has become a slim woman. Sherman's grandmother compares Oprah with a fox and swears at her by using the animal term ‘fox’ because she looks like a fox in her behavior and body. 2. It's your world dog! The swearword ‘dog’ in this utterance is used in Reggie's show to show identification. Among American Negroes, swearing is one of the ways to show a close relationship. The MC and Reggie are American Negroes and it is a usual thing for them to swear at each other. 3. I'm just a squirrel trying to get a nut. The word ‘a squirrel’ in this utterance means any of various small or medium-size rodents. The word ‘a squirrel’ is used by the MC to show identification as American Negroes. He wants to create a family atmosphere with all the audiences. 4. To my left, this gentleman has turkey neck. The swearword ‘turkey neck’ is used by Buddy Love to insult a fat man in a restaurant. Buddy compares the fat man's neck with the turkey neck. 5. He's as egotistical pig and I wish I never met him. The word ‘egotistical pig’ in this utterance means an egotistic person.
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Carla uses this phrase to insult Buddy Love. Buddy asked Carla to sleep with him in a hotel and this makes Carla angry with his words and she insults him as an egotistic animal 4.2.2.6 Sexual Irregularities Terms Sexual irregularities term is a term related to people who do not have permanent partner for sexual intercourse or a term which means a combination of two persons united by marriage and having untied in a sexual intercourse such as ‘bitch’, ‘chick’. This term represents (5.31 %) of the total swearwords used. 1. Reggie your mother's so fat, she went to sizzlers and the bitch gets a group discount. The word ‘the bitch’ in this utterance means an immoral woman. Buddy uses this phrase to provoke Reggie. He wants to make Reggie angry. Therefore, Buddy tries to provoke Reggie by saying that his mother has sexual relationship with more than one partner. 2. You want to do fat jokes. All right. Your mother’s so fat, after fucking her, I rolled over twice, and I' m still on the bitch. The phrase ‘the bitch’ in this utterance means an immoral woman. Buddy uses it to insult Reggie's mother. Buddy always calls Reggie's mother ‘the bitch’. He wants to make fun of Reggie in front of his own audiences. 3. Reggie's mom ass's so fat that the bitch gets her toe nails painted at Earl Scheib. Buddy continues to call Reggie's mother ‘the bitch’. He wants to play on Reggie's emotions. He intends to provoke Reggie to get angry and give replies to his jokes. 4. Ain't that a bitch? Sherman's father uses the phrase ‘a bitch’ as identification. He is invited to Buddy's show in which Buddy will change from a slim to fat man. Sherman's father gets really shocked when he sees this change in his son’s 116
body. He uses the term bitch to show familiarity. 5. Alright! Wait, wait, wait you mother's so fat, after fucking her, I rolled over twice, and I'm still on the bitch. The word ‘bitch’ in this utterance means to have sexual intercourse. It is used by Buddy Love to insult Reggie’s mother. He insults Reggie's mother that her body is so big and fat and after having sex, Buddy rolled on her twice and he still on her body. 4.2.2.7 Genital Terms A genital term is a term which is related to genital parts of human body, such as (cunt, prick, etc.) which represents (4.25%) of the total number of swearwords used in the film. This term is considered very rude and only few of people like to use it. 1. I can see my dick. The swearword ‘dick’ in the phrase ‘my dick’ is used by Buddy to attract people’s attention surrounding. Because Sherman is a very fat man, he cannot see his penis but when he uses the diet drug he turns into a slim man named Buddy. Therefore, he shouts and tells people that he can see his penis now. 2. My dick. Buddy uses this phrase to create the attention of people surrounding. Buddy is screams and repeats the genital term ‘dick’ because he wants to show to everybody that he can see his penis now. 3. My dick The swearword ‘dick’ in this phrase is used and repeated by Buddy to create attention. He wants to emphasize what he intends to convey or to attract the attention of everyone he meets 4. Tweezers on his dick. The swearword ‘dick’ is used in this utterance by Reggie to insult one of the audiences in his show. Reggie insults the white guy by saying that the 117
white person's penis is so small that they needs tweezers to take a piss 4.2.2.8 Imbecilic Terms An imbecilic term is a term which is related to stupidity. The examples of this subject are (moron, stupid, fool, etc.) which represent (3.19%) of the total number of swearwords in the film. This kind of term is relative, which means it can be rude and it can be less rude depending on the context. 1. You'll walk over, but you're limp back. But don't let the gray fool ya. The swearword ‘fool you’ is used by Sherman's grandmother to provoke Sherman's father who always makes fun of her and makes her angry, that is why she tries to provoke him by insulting him. 2. Hey, don't let the tears fool you! The swearword ‘fool you’ is used by Buddy to express his happiness. Buddy is very happy when he can lose his weight. He expresses his happiness by eating so many kinds of food. 3. Now find the rich dummy a seat. It's show time. The word ‘dummy’ in this utterance means ‘stupid person’. Buddy uses the swearword ‘dummy’ to insult Mr. Harlan who is a rich man that wants to offer his money to the university. He has an appointment with Buddy to watch the testing of the drug ‘diet formula’. Buddy insults Mr. Harlan as a stupid rich person, because he thinks that Mr. Harlan does not know anything about scientific inventions. 4.2.2.9 Mother-in-Law Terms This term is used when someone wants to describe a woman who has affair with many partners, for example, (bastard, son of bitch, mother fucker, etc.) Motherfucker is a common insult in English language which is popular in hip-hop culture. 1. You cheap bastard! Sherman's grandmother uses the swearword ‘bastard’ to insult Sherman's father. Sherman's father wants to hold a wedding in his house not 118
in Chicago that makes Sherman’s grandmother swear at him by using the word ‘bastard’.
Type of Swearing
Frequency and Percentage Total Male
Female
Fr
Per
Fr
Per
Fr
Per
Anatomical Terms
32
34.04
6
6.38
38
40.42
Death Terms
17
18.08
2
2.12
19
20.21
Excretory Terms
13
13.82
0
0
13
13.82
Religious Terms
6
6.38
0
0
6
6.38
Animals Terms
3
3.19
2
2.12
5
5.31
Sexual Terms
5
5.31
0
0
5
5.31
Genital Terms
4
4.25
0
0
4
4.25
Imbecilic Terms
2
2.12
1
1.06
3
3.19
Mother in law Terms
0
0
1
1.06
1
1.06
Total
82
87.23
12
12.77
94
100
Table (3) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Classification in ‘Nutty Professor’ 119
Type of Swearing
Anatomical Terms
Death Terms
Excretory Terms
Religion Terms Animals Terms Sexual Terms
Genital Terms Imbecilic Terms Mother in law Terms Total
Function of Swearing
Frequency and Percentage Male Female Fr Per Fr Per
Total Fr
Per
Insulting Discrediting Providing Catharsis Creating Attention Provoking Identification Discrediting Providing Catharsis Insulting Provoking Creating Attention Identification Insulting Provoking Providing Catharsis Identification
16 6 3 4 2 1 1 6 6 2 1 1 7 3 2 1
17.02 6.38 3.19 4.25 2.12 1.06 1.06 6.38 6.38 2.12 1.06 1.06 7.45 3.19 2.13 1.06
4 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4.25 1.06 1.06 0 0 0 0 1.06 1.06 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
20 7 4 4 2 1 1 7 7 2 1 1 7 3 2 1
21.28 7.45 4.25 4.25 2.12 1.06 1.06 7.45 7.45 2.12 1.06 1.063 7.45 3.19 2.13 1.06
Identification Creating attention Provoking Providing catharsis Insulting Creating attention
1 1 2 2 1 2
1.06 1.06 2.12 2.12 1.06 2.12
0 0 0 0 2 0
0 0 0 0 2.12 0
1 1 2 2 3 2
1.06 1.06 2.12 2.12 3.19 2.12
Provoking Insulting Identification Creating Attention Insulting
2 2 1 3 1
2.12 2.12 1.06 3.19 1.06
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0
2 2 1 3 1
2.12 2.12 1.06 3.19 1.06
Provoking Insulting Creating attention
0 1 1
0 1.06 1.06
1 0 0
1.06 0 0
1 1 1
1.06 1.06 1.06
Insulting
0
0
1
1.06
1
1.06
82
87.23
12
12.77
94
100
Table (4) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Function According to Gender in ‘Nutty Professor’ 120
CHAPTER FIVE Analysis of the Results
In order to have a comprehensive view of swearing: its types and functions, it is better to start this chapter with the analysis of the results in both films and make a comparison between them according to the obtained data.
5.1 Analysis of the First Film It is obvious from table (1) on (p: 67) that the film is rich with swearing expressions. The table shows that swearing occurs (265) times in the film. The high frequency of swearing could be due to the nature and tenor of the film. The action film is filled with tension, anger, adventures, and violence along side with the existence of informal relationships between characters in the film. The characters most often tend to swear to express their emotions and attitudes towards the situations and events they face. The results reveal that the most frequent type of swearing is copulative term. This can be due to the setting of the film, its theme, and tenor. As mentioned earlier, the film talks about a social phenomenon that is very frequent in American society. The film is a reflection of Hip-hop culture; that is why the characters use a large number of copulative terms because they see it as a social phenomenon. This can also be due to the nature of the American culture that in their discourse, they tend to use a lot of swearing words which are not considered taboo in their culture.
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Religion might be one of the reasons. The characters in this film can be divided into two groups: the first group, free world guys, consists of black rappers headed by Lychety. On the other hand, the second group involves Jimmy Smith (Rabbit) as a white rapper who wants to compete against them and challenge them. Certainly the relation between these two groups is very informal and this informality is quite clear from the high frequent use of the copulative term (fuck). Concerning the function of copulative terms, table (2) shows that the most frequent function of these terms is providing catharsis which occurs (54) times and represents (20.37%) of the total number of swearing functions. Using the copulative terms for the purpose of provoking and creating attention comes next. Both functions occur (26) times respectively and represent (9.81%) of the total numbers of swearing. Regarding the functions of discrediting and insulting, the characters use copulative terms for both functions which occur (13 and 10) times respectively and represent (3.90% and 3.37%) respectively of the total number of the functions. It is obvious that the function of identification is used only once by male character in this film which represents (0.37%) from the total function of swearing. As for gender differences, table (1) shows that, in general, few swearing expressions are uttered by female characters. This is due to the nature of the action film where the heroes and the action doers are male while females’ roles are minor. As table (2) shows, female characters use the copulative terms (10) times from the total use of copulative terms (130). These terms are used by 122
female characters mainly for the purpose of providing catharsis and creating attention which occur (9 and 1) times respectively. While the male characters use copulative terms mainly for providing catharsis which occur (45) times and represent (16.98%) of the total number of swearing functions. Provoking,
creating
attention,
discrediting,
insulting
and
identification come next and occur (26, 25, 13, 10, and 1) times respectively of the total number of swearing functions. As the results reveal, the copulative term is used by male characters (26) times for the purpose of provoking while this function provoking is not used by females at all. This can be due to the fact that females are not offensive or aggressive, this point of view is supported by Fägersten (2007: 77) who confirms that “female as being more sensitive than male to the offensiveness of swearwords.” The next most frequent type of swearing expressions used by characters are excretory terms which occur (60) times of the total number of swearing. This high frequency can be traced to the nature of the film and the informal relation between the characters. Being mainly uneducated enough, gang members tend to use the excretory term ‘shit’ very frequently as a habit or with no purpose. However the excretory terms are also used for other functions such as attracting attention, providing catharsis, discrediting and provoking, which occur (21, 21, 14 and 4) respectively and represent (7.90%, 7.90%, 5.28%, and 1.50%) respectively of the total number of swearing functions. Concerning gender differences, the most frequent function of this term is used by male for the purpose of creating attention which occurs (21) times and represents (7.92%) of the total number of swearing functions, while the 123
female characters do not use this term much except for (3) times where they use it only for the purpose of creating attention as shown in table (2). As table (1) shows, the other most frequent types of swearing used by the characters in (8 Mile) film is a ‘mother in law’ term. It is used only by male characters which occurs (25) times and represents (9.43%) of the total number of swearing expressions. These expressions are not used by female characters because this term denotes a woman who has an affair with many partners, for example ‘motherfucker’ that is why females try to avoid using it. This, as Coat (2004: 98) holds, can be due the fact that female characters use less offensive curse words in their speech. The mother in law term is used by male characters for six functions. The most frequent use of this term is for provoking violent confrontation which occurs (6) times and represents (2.26%) of the total number of swearing. This can be due to the fact that male characters are more offensive and aggressive than female characters. The other functions which come next are: creating attention, catharsis, discrediting, identification and insulting which represent (2.26%, 1.88%, 1.50%, 1.13% and 0.37%) respectively of the total number of swearing functions. As table (1) shows, sexual irregularity terms are the other terms which are used by the characters in film. These terms are used more frequently by male characters they occur (13) times, while this term is used only once by female character. The results in table (2) reveal that ‘provoking’ is the most frequent function of these terms. This function is used by male characters which occur (5) times and represents (1.88%) of the total number of functions while it is not used by female character As 124
table (2) shows there are other functions of these terms: are catharsis, creating attention and insulting which represent (1.13%, 1.50% and 0.37%) respectively of the total number of swearing functions. Regarding gender differences, these terms are mainly used by male characters for different functions which occur (13) times while it is used only for the purpose of expressing emotion by females which occurs only once. The characters in the film also use anatomical terms which occur (7) times. The terms are used by male characters (6) times while the females characters use these terms only once. The terms are used for different functions including provoking, creating attention, discrediting, identification and catharsis. As shown in table (2), the highest frequency is that of anatomical term which is used as a provoking and attracting attention. They have the same amount which represent (0.75%) respectively of the total number swearing functions. Concerning gender differences this term is mostly used by male characters for several functions while it is used only once for function of catharsis by female characters. Despite the fact that this film is an action film where the characters exercise violence and break law, religious terms still play a great role in this film. This can be seen from the use of the religious terms for swearing especially by the female characters. The religious term is used by female and male characters which occurs (8) times and represents (3.01%) of the total swearing. The highest frequency of this term is that of female characters which occurs (7) times, while the male characters use these terms 125
only once. So, one can argue that the religious background of the female characters seems to influence their style of swearing. As table (2) shows, female characters mainly use religious terms for providing catharsis which occur (7) times, while the male characters use this term for the same function only once. As shown in table (1), animal terms occur (9) times in the film. The highest frequency of these terms are that of male characters which occur (8) times while the female characters use this term only once. The use of animal terms can be due to the informality of the film and its characters and the low level of education of the gang members. As shown in table (2), the identification function of animal terms is the most frequent function which is used by male characters and represents (3.01%) of the total number of swearing functions, while this term is used by female characters only once for providing catharsis which represents (0.37%) of the total number of swearing functions. This can be justified in terms of the fact that usually female characters seem to be less offensive. This point of view is supported by Holms (2004:286) who believes that avoiding strong swearwords is one feature of females’ speech. Racial discrimination is not absent from the film. This can be seen in the use of racial terms such as ‘nigger’ by the characters. As shown in table (1) the racial terms are used only (6) times by the male characters which represent (2.26%) of the total number of swearing types in the film. These terms are mainly used for the purpose of identification, provoking, and insulting which represent (1.50%, 0.37%, and 0.37) respectively of the total number of swearing functions. 126
As table (1) shows, female characters do not use racial terms at all in the film. The term ‘nigger’ is used by the male character Jimmy Smith only once to humiliate the black rappers, while this term is used by black characters in the film for the purpose of creating strong personal identification (familiarity). Most often, black people call each other by using the racial term ‘nigger’ to show familiarity. This point of view can be supported by Hughes (1999:91) who believes that “swearing can be used to show familiarity or identity among some communities.” The last terms which are used are death terms. These types of swearing are used mainly by the male characters in the film which occur (4) times and represent (1.50%) from the total number of swearing. As table (2) shows, male and female characters mainly use death terms for providing catharsis which occur (3 and 2) times respectively. The results reveal that the discrediting function is only used by male characters in the film.
5.2 Analysis of the Second Film It is obvious from table (3) on (p: 119) that the characters in this film use (94) swearwords. The results also reveal that the anatomical terms have the highest frequency of the usage which occur (38) times and represent (40.42%) of the total number of swearing types in the film. This high frequency can be due to the nature and setting of film. The film is a family comedy which is about the family relationships. It seems that the members of this family are different from others. In general, the members of normal families often try to avoid using swearing expressions when talking to each other, but in this film swearwords are used among family members. As shown in table (4), the most frequent function of swearing in this film is insulting which occurs (20) times and represents (21.28%) of the 127
total number of swearing functions. The characters tend to insult each other via swearing. They use anatomical terms for different purposes as discrediting, catharsis, creating attention, provoking and identification which occur (7, 4, 4, 2, and 1) respectively in the total number of swearing functions. Regarding gender differences, table (3) shows that, in general, swearing is used by female less frequently than by male characters because females are less aggressive than male and females realize the fact that the use swearing may influence their status in society. The male characters use anatomical terms for different functions which occur (32) times, while female characters use anatomical terms only (6) times. As table (4) shows, insulting is the most frequent function of anatomical term. It is used by male characters (16) times while the female characters use this kind of function only (4) times. The other terms used by characters in this film are death terms which occur (19) times and represent (20.21%) of the total number of swearing expression. Table (3) shows that male characters use these terms more than female characters. The highest frequency of this term is used by male characters which occurs (17) times and represents (18.08%) of the total number of swearing expressions. The females use these terms only twice which represent (2.12%) of the total number of the functions. Table (4) also shows that the most frequent function of these terms used by male characters is insulting and providing catharsis which occurs (6) times and represents (6.38%) of the total number of swearing functions, while the female characters use death terms for the purpose of catharsis only 128
one once and insulting only once which represent (1.06 %) of the total number swearing functions. The excretory terms come third in rank. They are used mainly by male characters which occur (13) times and represent (13.82%) of the total number of swearing in the film, while female characters do not use these terms. This can be due to the nature and the theme of film which sometimes influence the female characters to avoid using such swearwords in film. The most frequent function of these terms is insulting which occurs (7) times of the total number of swearing functions, while provoking, catharsis and identification come next as they occur (3, 2 and 1) times respectively. As table (3) shows, religious terms are used only by male characters. They occur (6) times which represent (6.38%) of the total number of swearing. Table (4) shows that religious terms are used for different functions which include provoking, providing catharsis, identification and creating attention which occur (2, 2, 1 and 1) respectively and represent (2.12%, 2.12%, 1.06% and 1.06%) respectively of the total number of swearing functions. Due to the informal relation between characters in general, the characters use animal terms for swearing which occur (5) times and represent (5.31%) of the total number of swearing. The characters use animal terms to attack and call each other’s name. Table (4) shows that the most frequent function of these terms is insulting which occurs (3) times. Creating attention comes next which occurs only (2) times. Concerning gender differences, the male characters use these terms (3) times while the female characters use these terms only (2) times. The 129
most frequent function used by females is that of insulting which occurs only (2) times while creating attention has the highest frequency of the total animal terms that is used by male characters. Sexual irregularity terms are also used but only by male characters, while the female avoid using them. These terms occur (5) times which represent (5.31%) of the total number of swearing. Regarding the function of these terms the male characters use sexual terms for the purpose of provoking, insulting and creating attention which occur (2, 2 and 1) respectively. As table (3) shows, the genital terms are used only by the male characters because these terms are very rude and, for their sensitivity, female characters try to avoid using them in conversation. This point of view is supported by Jay (1999:165-166) who believes that “male use more offensive words than female.” It seems like that there is a kind of permission that is more acceptable for males to use swearwords because they are related to the concept of masculinity and roughness. Genital terms occur (4) times which represent (4.25%) of the total number of swearing. The most frequent function is creating attention which occurs (3) times. Imbecilic terms which occur only (3) times are used by both male and female characters. These terms are used by male characters for the purpose of humiliation and creating attention only once, while the female characters use these terms only once for provoking. The female characters usually use less offensive words, but in this situation the imbecilic terms are used for provoking violent confrontation. This can be due to the setting and theme that might influence the female characters to share the male in using such 130
rude terms. The last and the less frequent swearword that is used by characters is mother law term. This term occurs only once and used by female characters for the purpose of humiliation while the male characters do not use it. 5.3 Comparison of the Two Films in Terms of Swearing As table (5) shows, there are essential differences between the two films in terms of the frequency of swearing expressions, types, functions and gender. The results of analyzing the two films show that swearing can be regarded as the apparent features of characters in action film. This can be seen from the great number of swearing expressions which are about (265) words, while that of the comedy film are (94) words. The reason behind this variation can be due to the setting and nature of the film. Being filled with actions, adventure, young characters, with informal relations, the action film exceeds comedy film in the number of swearing expressions used and the purpose behind using them. The tenor of the film is also a decisive factor. This can be seen from the types of swearing used in both films. Because of its informal relations between the characters, the most frequent swearing type is that of copulative terms which occur (130) times while these terms do not occur in the comedy film. Clearly these differences can be due to the nature, tenor of the film. The comedy is a family one. The informal setting of the action film is also manifested in the frequent use of excretory terms which occur (60) times and represent (22.64%) in comparison with the comedy film where they occur (13) times and represent (13.82) of the total number of swearing. The family relationship between the characters in the ‘Nutty Professor’ film is behind the low frequency of using the mother-in-law 131
terms, while these terms are used mostly in the action film ‘8 mile’ where they occur (25) times. It can be argued that the theme and nature of the film are behind this high frequent use of the mother-in-law terms. Imbecilic and genital terms are used by the characters in the comedy film ‘Nutty Professor’ they occur (3 and 4) times respectively, while these terms are not used in the action film. Regarding the animal terms, they are used by characters in both films. They occur (9 and 5) times respectively. Concerning the racial terms they occur in the action film for (6) times, while in comedy film they do not occur.
Type of Swearing
Action Film Male Female Fr
Per
Fr
Per
130
49.05
120
45.28
10
60
22.64
53
20
25
9.43
25
14
5.28
Anatomy Animal Religion Death
7
Comedy Film Male Female Fr
Per
3.38
0
0
7
2.64
13
9.43
0
0
13
4.90
1
2.64
6
2.26
9
3.39
9
9
2.57
6
Racial
Per
Fr
0
0
0
0
13.82
13
13.82
0
0
1
1.06
0
0
1
1.06
0.37
5
5.31
5
5.31
0
0
1
0.37
38
40.42
32
34.04
6
6.38
3.39
0
0
5
5.31
3
3.19
2
2.12
2
0.56
7
1.99
6
6.38
6
6.38
00
0
1.70
6
1.70
0
0
19
20.21
17
18.08
2
2.12
6
1.70
6
1.70
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Genital
0
0
0
0
0
0
4
4.25
4
4.25
0
0
Imbecilic
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
3.19
2
2.12
1
1.06
Total
265
236
89.05
29
7
94
100
82
87.24
12
12.76
Copulative Excretory Mother in law Sexual
Fr
Per
Fr
Table (5) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Types According to Gender in Both Films
132
Per
As the results show in table (6) there are obvious differences between the two kinds of films in terms of swearing functions. These differences can be due to the informal and aggressive relations among the characters in the action film. This view can be supported by high frequent use of swearing for catharsis and provoking functions which occur (99 and 44) times respectively and represent (37.35% and 16.60 %) of the total number of swearing functions in the action film. This high frequent use of catharsis and provoking functions are not found in the comedy film where the catharsis and provoking functions occur (15, 12) times of the total number of swearing functions. Humiliation is more frequently used in the comedy film which occurs (42) times and represents (44.68%) of the total number of swearing functions in ‘Nutty Professor’, while in the action film it occurs (13) times and represents (4.90%). It can be argued that the differences are due to the nature of the comedy film where characters are more concerned with expressing swearwords for humour and humiliating. This type of function is the decisive factor in producing comedy films. The considerable differences can be seen between these two types of films especially in terms of swearing functions. In the action film, the characters use swearing (74) times as a habit without any purposes. On the other hand the relationship between characters is an informal one and the story of the film tells about the group of young gangers in hip-hop community who compete each other, while the second is a story about family relations and each swearword that is used by the characters has a specific purpose. 133
Concerning the rest of other functions of swearing, it is obvious from table (6) that the characters in both films tend to use swearing for creating attention and identification with different ranks. Swearing is used by characters in action film for the purpose of creating attention which occurs (59) times while in comedy film this function occurs (12) times. Regarding the discrediting function it is used by characters in action film (33) times while in comedy it is used (8) times. Regarding the identification function of swearing or (familiarity), the characters use this function both films which occurs (17 and 5) and represent (6.41% and 5.31%) respectively from the total swearing functions. Action Film Function of Swearing
Comedy Film Male
Female
Male
Female
Catharsis
Fr 99
Per 37.35
Fr 74
Per 27.92
Fr 25
Per 6.79
Fr 15
Per 15.95
Fr 13
Per 13.82
Fr 2
Per 2.12
Provoking
44
16.60
44
16.60
0
0
12
12.76
11
11.70
1
1.06
Creating Attention Insulting
59
22.26
55
20
4
1.50
12
12.76
12
12.76
0
0
13
4.90
13
4.90
0
0
42
44.68
34
36.17
8
8.52
Discrediting
33
12.45
33
12.45
0
0
8
8.51
7
7.44
1
1.06
Identification
17
6.41
17
6.41
0
0
5
5.31
5
5.31
0
0
94
100%
82
87.23 %
12
Total
265
100%
236 89.05
29 10.94
Table (6) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing Function According to Gender in Both Films
Regarding gender differences in the use of swearing, the results which are shown in table (7) reveal that the high frequency of swearing is used by 134
12.7 %
male characters in action film which occur (236) times and represent (89.05%) of the total number of swearing. On the contrary females’ swearing occur (29) times and represents (10.94) of the total number of swearing in film. Concerning the comedy film, the results also show that male’s swearing has the highest frequency which occurs (82) times and represents (87.23%) of the total number of swearing while the female’s swearing occurs (12) times and represents (12.76%) of the total number of swearwords used in film. Clearly the reason behind this is that in each film whether comedy or action film, the males play the key role and most of the actions are carried out by male characters
Gender
Action Frequency Percentage
Comedy Frequency
Percentage
Female
29
10.94%
12
12.76%
Male
236
89.06%
82
87.23%
Total
265
100%
94
100%
Table (7) Frequency and Percentage of Swearing According to Gender in Both Films
135
CHAPTER SIX Conclusions & Suggestions for Further Research 6.1 Conclusions Based on the scope of the study, the procedures followed, and the analysis of the results, the findings of the present study lead to the following conclusions: • Regarding gender differences, the results prove that there are gender differences in terms of the frequency of swearing types and their functions in both films. It can be due to the fact that females are much more conservative than males who feel free to use swearwords because females are expected to be feminine and to exclude the use of swearing. So the first hypothesis which is adopted in the study is verified. • Swearing can be regarded as the apparent features of the characters in the action film. This is quite c lear from the high frequency of swearing which is about (265) words as compared to the comedy film where (94) swearwords are used. The reason behind this variation is due to the theme, setting, and nature of the film. Consequently, the second hypothesis is verified. • The most frequent type of swearing used in action film is copulative and racial terms, whereas these two types are not used in comedy film. In contrast, the genital and imbecilic terms are used only in comedy film. This can be due to the nature of the film. The first one is about the relationship between gangster members while the second is about the family relations. 136
• The results show that the copulative term has the highest frequency in the action film, while the anatomical term plays a key role in the comedy film. It is also due to the theme and setting of the film. • As for the functions of swearing, the catharsis function is the most frequent function used in action film, while the most frequent function used in comedy film is humiliation. • The results show that the characters in (8mile) film use (9) types of swearing while in (Nutty Professor) film the characters use (8) types of swearing. • The results show that swearing is not used only as a bad word, but also it can be used to show familiarity or as a habit without any purpose.
6.2 Suggestions To follow up the present study, the following topics are suggested: • Investigating the concept of swearing in terms of formality in other genres and registers with the aim of measuring the extent to which formality can be a factor in the selected genres and registers. •
Investigating the concept of swearing in English-into-Kurdish translation of movies.
•
A comparative study of swearing in English and Kurdish.
137
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