I had the same experience in the classroom. Students -- actually cadets in my case -- knew that using profanity was a sign of disrespect so they kept it to the hallways and barracks. Thanks for responding.
I would never use it. In some eyes, using profanity diminishes the speaker. And I agree that using profanity suggests a limited vocabulary and lack of control. Maybe it's okay with the majority of your audience but you can be sure that at least some people will find it offensive.
Thanks for your comment, Patricia. Further to what I said above about context, is that being aware of 'register' and having the flexibility to adapt vocabulary choice and usage to fit a particular setting is what keeps a person and their audience communicating freely and respectfully.
However, understanding the nuances of speaker-audience relationships from exceedingly formal to offhand vulgarity and all the shades between can be tricky territory to navigate. The boundaries are often blurred and difficult to find - hence learning about them the hard way. (Like I did as a 20 year old.)
Incidentally, those students of mine who used the F-word prolifically in conversation between themselves never brought it into the classroom. They were smart enough to know it would not be welcomed there.
I had the same experience in the classroom. Students -- actually cadets in my case -- knew that using profanity was a sign of disrespect so they kept it to the hallways and barracks. Thanks for responding.
I would never use it. In some eyes, using profanity diminishes the speaker. And I agree that using profanity suggests a limited vocabulary and lack of control. Maybe it's okay with the majority of your audience but you can be sure that at least some people will find it offensive.
Thanks for your comment, Patricia. Further to what I said above about context, is that being aware of 'register' and having the flexibility to adapt vocabulary choice and usage to fit a particular setting is what keeps a person and their audience communicating freely and respectfully.
However, understanding the nuances of speaker-audience relationships from exceedingly formal to offhand vulgarity and all the shades between can be tricky territory to navigate. The boundaries are often blurred and difficult to find - hence learning about them the hard way. (Like I did as a 20 year old.)
Incidentally, those students of mine who used the F-word prolifically in conversation between themselves never brought it into the classroom. They were smart enough to know it would not be welcomed there.
Hi Susan - I love your newsletter. The F word, I am like you, in private when pain pays a visit. My favourite speech on the F word is https://youtu.be/0dPqdJ0S-Gk?si=G1kKjIKxLtCMfa9O
I am sure you will enjoy it. May I wish you a very happy Christmas and thank you for your wonderful newsletters.
Kindest regards
John Keating