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The document discusses how language can be used to grant or deny power, depending on how it is utilized. In particular, it examines how swearing can provide both benefits and disadvantages in terms of accessing power through language. Swearing allows individuals to express emotions and relieve pain, thus providing an alternative to physical expression. However, swearing can also marginalize groups and restrict redefining words across generations. Whether swearing grants or denies power depends on the context and intent of its use.

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50 views3 pages

FAE Notes

The document discusses how language can be used to grant or deny power, depending on how it is utilized. In particular, it examines how swearing can provide both benefits and disadvantages in terms of accessing power through language. Swearing allows individuals to express emotions and relieve pain, thus providing an alternative to physical expression. However, swearing can also marginalize groups and restrict redefining words across generations. Whether swearing grants or denies power depends on the context and intent of its use.

Uploaded by

Lucy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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“Using the English language can give power to people, or it can take power away from

people. It all depends on how it is used. Discuss.”

Language is a tool utilised by people to gain access to power. This personifies language as an

object which can grant or retract power from individuals. However, the outcome is solely

dependent on how said tool is used and with what intended purpose. Most of the world’s

population engages in the dance for power through language in the form of swearing. In

many cases, the concept of power being given and taken away occurs simultaneously as the

corresponding situations always include two parties, one of which receives power and the

other where power is revoked. Those who engage in swearing are given power whilst those

who are victim to the words said are stripped of that power.

Swearing can be both beneficial and disadvantageous in terms of accessing power through

language. Swearing allows speakers to express their emotional frustration to listeners through

the use of taboo language. This is particularly beneficial to those who seek the development

of self-control from physical expression; swearing acts as an emotion platform that can be

utilised by an individual as an alternative approach to physical expression of emotions such

as “anger, disgust or pain” that is comparatively more accepted within society. In terms of

pain, swearing has proven to increase one’s tolerance to emotional and physical pain. In 2009

a study was conducted where students were asked to place their hand in a bucket of ice water,

it was found that those who swore repeatedly lasted longer than those who did not.

Additionally, it had also increased their heart rates as a reaction to the swearing itself which

indicated a “fight or flight response...as an analgesic” which further demonstrates how

swearing provides a “readily available and effective relief from pain” earning its justified title

as an alternative to physical expression.


Language in the form of swearing is used as to tool for individuals to gain access to power.

Swearing is both beneficial and/or disadvantageous dependent on the context and intent of

use which dictates whether power is given or revoked from others. As stated above, swearing

is beneficial by providing people with alternative platforms to physical expression to relieve

themselves of physical and emotional. By becoming more socially acceptable, it provides

those with mental impairments access to inclusivity alongside the development of

euphemisms for means of social harmony. However, as swearing is a social construct, it can

be manipulated to further marginalise groups such as indigenous Australians. Moreover, due

to the concrete nature of swearing, it is hard to redefine words as new generations are forced

into a continuous pre-defined loop of expectations as to what community standard is held for

swearing in society. Until social awareness and education occurs on the oblivious

disadvantages to swearing, there will remain an imbalanced access to power through

language.
References

Allan, K. & Burridge, K. (2006). Forbidden words: Taboo and the censoring of language.

Cambridge University Press.

Ecclestone, R. (2008, June 7). Warning: Contains coarse language. The Australian. Retrieved

from: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/warning-

contains-coarse-language/story-e6frg8h6-1111116556611

Jay, T., & Janschewitz, K. (2008). The Pragmatics of Swearing. Journal of Politeness

Research: Language, Behaviour, Culture, 4(2), 267-288.

https://doi.org/10.1515/JPLR.2008.013

Mohr, M. (2013). Holy sh* t: A brief history of swearing. Oxford University Press.

Stephens, R., Atkins, J., & Kingston, A. (2009). Swearing as a response to pain.

Neuroreport, 20(12), 1056–1060.

https://doi.org/10.1097/WNR.0b013e32832e64b1

Stephens, R., & Umland, C. (2011). Swearing as a response to pain-effect of daily swearing

frequency. The Journal of Pain, 12(12), 1274–1281.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2011.09.004

The Canadian Press. (2021). NBA hands Raptors coach Nurse a US$50,000 fine for throwing

face mask and swearing. Canadian Press Enterprises Inc.

https://search.proquest.com/docview/2504119909/fulltext/A3241D202A464D73PQ/

1?accountid=36155.

Wen, T. (2016, March 3). The surprising benefits of swearing. BBC Future. Retrieved from:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160303-the-surprising-benefits-of-

swearing#:~:text=By%20swearing%2C%20we%20not%20only,to%20resort%20to

%20physical%20violence

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