Swear words:
do they have a place in the EFL classroom?

Stefan Chiarantano, Japan

Is it considered taboo? I think so for the ears of young learners or high school students but perhaps not for adult EFL students. My article arises in part out of a series of queries I received over the last several months from some of my adult ESL students. One was a request by a few to teach them some North American swear words. Another was to clarify the meaning of a swear word and its use. Another was a comment by a student noting an abundance of swear words in Hollywood movies. But I think it was when I was asked to explain the meaning of the word 'jerk' when it came up in the context of a lesson that I was teaching that pushed me to write this piece.

Why shouldn't adult EFL students have some introductory lessons on swear words if only to caution and counsel them on their offensive nature and meaning and inappropriateness in polite conversation? I have discovered that many of my adult students are exposed to cursing and swearing because they listen to American rap and/or hip hop artists and/or watch Hollywood movies. The prevalent use of swear words in Hollywood movies, American television shows like the Jerry Springer Show, by rap artists like Emimem, and in literature is perhaps a sign of their growing acceptance in North American society. I think the transition started in Hollywood in the late sixties with the relaxation of the Hayes code.

As you know, language is the means we use to express our thoughts, emotions, desires, frustrations, and hopes. Swearing is part of expressive language. It is irrational: yet, it forms part of speech and idiomatic language. It has the intent to shock, hurt and wound. Today's most common swear words are those that have something to do with the sexual functions and the sexual organs of men and women. I can remember as a child when blasphemies were popular. But ask yourself. Are you a person who tends to use swear words every now and then? I confess. I have on occasion. They occasionally slip out unexpectedly. I would venture that many let out a swear word in a moment of crisis, stress, frustration, or anger. If adult EFL students partake in North American/Western culture, they are going to hear and pick up swear words. Why shouldn't our adult EFL students have a lesson or two on swear words and provided with instruction on their appropriate and inappropriate use in conversation.

After giving the matter some thought, I've decided that I think it's okay if only so that swear words are not misused in some innocent way by our students. Now, I just hope I can convince my employer to let me include swear words in the syllabus.

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