So the survey says that Canadians have the worse foul language in comparison to United States and Britain, and I ponder if it’s a Canadian thing of it’s the days and times of how we are bring up our youth?
Well, phooey, heck, gee whiz, golly gosh, nuts and darn it. It may be true, and then again, it may not. One thing to keep in mind when assessing the results of polls or surveys is that we trust that respondents told the truth. I don’t want this to come as a shock, but sometimes people will, shall we say, state categorical inaccuracies when asked a personal question to which a truthful answer might prove embarrassing.
Perhaps more Canadians admitted to using foul language than our English speaking friends south of the border and across the Atlantic. Or maybe we are more foul mouthed. I am not sure as in many ways in all the travels that I have been too it all depends on where one is within Canada, but I am not defending it.
I walked past a small group of late teens-early twenties types a few days ago and this one quite attractive girl was speaking. Every sentence she spoke was liberally laced with the f-word plus other expletives and I just shook my head. Maybe she thought she was impressing the boys. I don’t know. I do know I’m just an old baby boomer and many in my generation can be accused of using colorful language. However, it does appear that the situation is worse today. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter the era, 1960’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s or 2000’s. It’s always been a sign of class and good manners to speak in public without resorting to foul language. Yet I am not sure if it's culturally inclined. Yet there is something to be said for good language.
I can’t say I am perfect but there is something to be said about appropriate language and I think that our youth seemingly pending how they are raised understand the difference between good language and foul language.
I always wonder who thinks up these surveys, and who do they survey?? no one ever asks my opinion. lol. those kids do know the difference I'm sure, and that's precisely why they use the inappropriate language. in my opinion anyway!
ReplyDeleteAnd well taken, while doing things here today with regards to a family member and figuring things out I came back and it was within the newspaper but I used to look at gallop and other stats and aside of that I think it's all within the person.
ReplyDeleteWe blame the young people, they learned it somewhere. i think we all swear at times of stress, some not so bad , some not so good
ReplyDeletehmmm I lived in Calgary for a long time and actually learned my english there and for me the Canadians speak a much clearer language than in the US and when I first came down it was really hard for me and my siblings my mom was always gatting after us which she didn't ever need to do befor--interesting--
ReplyDeleteVery true but maybe I am getting old however the there is something to good language compared to bad language. Yet we all are human Tee.
ReplyDeleteI despise the comparables between nations to be entirely honest with you as I think there is this word called respect that has much meaning.
It's all rooted perhaps in how we were raised, just maybe.
Big hugs! First if I may say Heidi!
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's a cultural thing but as time goes on I see it in the manner of how people are raised....and within the diction I think that it's a poll that well to some extent is rooted from our cultures as but perhaps the manner that kids are brought up is what makes that difference. Hugs again Heidi!
ReplyDeleteThis is a good surprise to say the least! :) Big time.
Very true indeed. I don't know that I'd agree with the survey either as the sample size, area, and element of truth would definitely be factors. I heard a survey from a friend today that the U.S. was one of the lowest on a national scale for obtaining college education. Likewise, I questioned its authenticity and credibility as you have the foul language. I would agree that there is something to be said for being able to utilize language to get your point across without resorting to foul language. I've seen many a tactile raw statement that cut to the core without a foul word involved. Perhaps the ability to expand one's vocabulary need be incorporated more into the future of our generations. Thank you for an interesting post, as always.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a combination of things for the most part I truly believe it's rooted now within the youth, yet I could be wrong. After I wrote this I left and came back and I think that it's not within nations it's within a combination of the education systems, parenting which lead into what you say.
ReplyDeleteYeah and as you know I think, western canada has very deep roots with America, my Uncle Dan that had this farm with my aunt was part Sioux and part English. I find that originally Canadians spoke the original english right up to the last twenty years, now it's changing as well. But people from India, I have never heard such a fine grasp on the english language although it's there second yet I do know what you mean. And then if you ever were :) in Newfoundland you would find that they speak a language that is a mixture onto itself. But foul language sure I say the sh...t word now and then but I think still it's all deep in where, as well as within the youth.
ReplyDeleteI never swore once in my life when I was a kid............:)
I am not sure what the stats are Cinn. All I know is when I was in Quebec, I found some that were asking me where I was from. Not because I was not fluent in French but that the way I spoke english was atypical. And for all I know there was one that was swearing out loud for all I know but I didn't know :).
ReplyDeleteEducation is everything I couldn't agree more, but lets not blame it on leaders of our nations but as parents be active with what we observe with our children.
Hey I just remembered, I was married, but don't have any children :)
... I don't use bad words, well, but, admittedly ~ used the heck, the gosh, and the luv yu words ... now tell me, Jack ~ is there something wrong with that[?] {!]
ReplyDelete... goodnight, its getting late again. this time I am mothering, again. I hope it is permitted. bye. laughs*
Blessings and hugs :)
It would seem to me that the youth are using profanities as a means of expression and for that I blame education and upbringing. Sure we all use the odd word every now and then, but it would seem to me that every second word is a f word.
ReplyDeleteI think when one has the vocabulary there is very little need to emphasize anything with a profanity. I was definitely one of those who was brought up to know that ladies do not swear and to be honest find myself feeling somewhat smug when I can win an argument without resorting to bad language ~smile~
The youth here in the UK are probably amongst the worst I have ever heard .... they use every single word you can possibly imagine as part of their daily speech and its not only when they are angry ... its kind of part of their vocabulary. They have no qualms as to who they are speaking to either ..... respect for the elderly just does not exisit.
So I am thinking .... perhaps the youth of today have lost the ideals of education and respect ...
..............................................I am not Anne Landers, Maritess I am just me nor am I Castro. You are a good friend I have even chatted with you and it's all good.
ReplyDeleteLynne I could not agree more profanity has come into the culture of our youth. Certainly we did but not like this generation. Gosh that makes me sound old!
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's a slang of sorts yet I really don't get it, culturally I guess there is some predisposition yet the foundation of ideals and goals.....perhaps if there is hope, yet even the well off kids are using the language. I have always believed in it's not where you come from it's in whom you are and perhaps we give to much to easily and things are not nurished and earned - rather they are all given so quick. Yet there is something to be said to good diction, as it's the foundation of speech, which leads on to later parts of life.
I never heard a profanity on Cornation Street. Seemingly this is rooted within values and education from what I have seen and read. ~Yeah~
gosh, i don't chat with anyone except to you ... now they will know we are chatting ... they will get mad at me ... well, admittedly it is all good and respectful.
ReplyDeleteI chat with a few and I ...................not going there there is something wrong here, but I am leaving this on. Enjoy this Maritess, I have a few on my messenger but the last time I used it if I recall correctly was two weeks ago for 20 minutes. Begone with this thread of thought. Enjoy what is great and rich. Seemingly you are obsessing over me and one favor don't keep doing this - it's a request Maritess.
ReplyDeletehahah ... who do you think you are eh? laughing* Be well, Jack. As i liked you ... its between friends , i am laughing here ... again. thanks for that great times. be well. ok. tight hugs :)
ReplyDelete~chuckle~ .... That would be because we have strict censorship in prime time TV ..... but I can tell you the language flies around the street and to be honest its not only the young ......
ReplyDelete~Smile~ I know Lynne. Well I have to get off as it's near eith and have a few things to do. But yes it does....:)
ReplyDeleteI grew up with a very strict code of conduct... Most times it felt confining, but now I am glad it was so. So, I could use profanity only if I didnt mind getting my tongue washed with soap for the next week or feel the cane on my derriere. Let me tell you, both of those were not my preferred way of spending my time. Now, it feels abrasive to hear language punctuated with foul words. Its one of the ways a language dies...
ReplyDeleteI hear today's youth and wonder where we are heading. The spelling, the handwriting, the grammar, the vocabulary and the choice of words, leave a lot to be desired for... But I must admit, not all of our youth are that way.
As for the survey. I keep wondering if they went to all of the world's countries and who pays for this and why do people have so much time to do surveys that never really reflect the whole society but just a part and what is the Purpose of such a survey? Too many unanswered questions.
I was much like you in the way I was raised as far as how I conducted myself athough I was and am very creative and have been within life itself. Forget about the satistics and think about the language. You are originally from a country where I found to be one that literally does have a great education system, I could stand to be corrected but I think that you were originally from India literally within medical practices, and a variety of areas your education system does give way to one that I have never seen the likes of as I have met many that are very common people yet at the same time they have a tremendous grasp on the world.
ReplyDeleteAbrasive language is one that defeats it's purpose as well as the grammar. The stats obviously came from some source as I literally had read it the other day within the newspaper within the morning. I think I am going to stay away from polls and statistics but I am not sure if the source was Huffington Post or otherwise but it arrived here within my cities newspaper.
"I hear today's youth and wonder where we are heading. The spelling, the handwriting, the grammar, the vocabulary and the choice of words, leave a lot to be desired for... But I must admit, not all of our youth are that way." I truly am with you on this one, it's not all but it's more than just a few.
Well, it is often said that New Yorkers are very rude. I don't think it's rudeness so much as it is that New Yorkers are always in a hurry (which can give an impression of rudeness). Hence, the expression "NY Minute!" NYC is a fast-paced place, and not everyone is going to take the time and play "Mary Sunshine" to every every tourist they meet. LOL! But, to stereotype all New Yorkers as rude is preposterous. Just as it is preposterous to stereotype all Canadians as having the worse foul language. Just offering my two cents worth! :)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting read, Jack! Loved it! :)
While living there what I found was that NYers were not rude, the city is a fast one but I found that while arriving home they were small town in the manner that they talked and yes it was fast but it did seem that within the city it was one that most all that I knew and know were very down to earth. I have always believed that NYC has a small town mentality hidden within one of the largest cities. Sterotypes of New York City are really only known to those that have lived there as I feel Maryanne.
ReplyDeleteI think someone played with the stats :) But if there is one city that I know very well, it's right where you reside and live. Aside of where I live here in Canada, there is a secondary home within upstate. So there! :)
I agree with you, Jack! First of all, most NY'ers are "transplants;" born someplace else (myself, included), and eventually chose NY to reside and pursue career opportunities.. Unlike the suburbs where people tend to be more cautious, and, shall I say, less trusting, NY'ers are much more open-minded, and they believe in the "live and let live" philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI think it is mainly tourists visiting from other countries that think NY'ers are rude, and I think it may have a lot to do with the various language barriers, and the cultural differences.
NY'rs ROCK! Oh, and so do Canadians! :)
I wish I had some pictures at hand of New York as I don't but it's ironic how we do see things within the big apple. I always saw it as mentioned a the largest small town in the world as New York only can be known by way of living there. I guess that really goes for most every place but New York is a city that does have that live and let live mentality.
ReplyDeleteBut aside of the New York or Canada experience for ones that have been in either place or otherwise I feel it's really more about the people as I have always maintained this thought of "it does not matter where your born all that matters is where your head is at". And to be honest with you I do think that is where it really is at.
while sitting at my desk this evening the banter of the youth across the street from me drew my attention and was appalling to say the least....and these are little children. i am talking elementary aged.
ReplyDeleteif at that age i even thought to repeat such a word i may have overheard my mother would literally wash our mouth out with soap....just ask my sister
i am not sure if children today realize the impact of certain words and their lasting results when they say them. they are like parrots.....and sponges.... they absorbe what they hear....and repeat it like a bird
children are subjected to things now in their homes that we....as children may not have been...or were told if we heard such things....we were not to repeat it.
I do find that it's something that is within the values and education as mentioned, each generation has rebelled in some way, however just I find that it's really a matter of how children are raised it's not the kids of less fortune that so often are looked upon as being the instigators it comes from those I feel are raised without core values and one thing if I may. Perhaps, just perhaps we give too much to kids within these times.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought Tess.
regarding these children here who look impoverished....i am thinking they aren't getting enough of the RIGHT things.....
ReplyDeletelessons of respect first and foremost.
when the younger girl walked behind my garage with her large dog to do its business and i confronted her ( after numerous times of asking her nicely not to do that on my grass and then walk away) .....when i told her this particular time she was being recorded as i had enough of this....she told me her dog dont s****t (her word) (he was doing it as she spoke) she then gave me the finger.....used the f word.....laughed and walked back around the corner to her house.
when they arenot taught respect for them selves...how on earth are they going to have it for others and their property.
if only we could bottle up respect.....push it into a syringe....and stick a bunch of people in the behinds.....