It may be starred, beeped, and censored -- yet profanity is so appealing that we can't stop using it. In the funniest, clearest study to date, Benjamin Bergen explains why, and what that tells us about our language and brains. Nearly everyone swears-whether it's over a few too many drinks, in reaction to a stubbed toe, or in flagrante delicto. And yet, we sit idly by as words are banned from television and censored in books. We insist that people excise profanity from their vocabularies and we punish children for yelling the very same dirty words that we'll mutter in relief seconds after they fall asleep. Swearing, it seems, is an intimate part of us that we have decided to selectively deny. That's a damn shame. Swearing is useful. It can be funny, cathartic, or emotionally arousing. As linguist and cognitive scientist Benjamin K. Bergen shows us, it also opens a new window onto how our brains process language and why languages vary around the world and over time. In this groundbreaking yet ebullient romp through the linguistic muck, Bergen answers intriguing questions: How can patients left otherwise speechless after a stroke still shout Goddamn! when they get upset? When did a cock grow to be more than merely a rooster? Why is crap vulgar when poo is just childish? Do slurs make you treat people differently? Why is the first word that Samoan children say not mommy but eat shit? And why do we extend a middle finger to flip someone the bird? Smart as hell and funny as fuck, What the F is mandatory reading for anyone who wants to know how and why we swear.
Details e-book What the F
🗸 Author(s): Benjamin K. Bergen
🗸 Title: What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves
🗸 Rating : 4.4 from 5 stars (106 reviews)
🗸 Languange: English
🗸 Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
🗸 Supported Devices: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about What the F by Benjamin K. Bergen
This gripping thriller takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the dark alleys of a crime-ridden city, where the protagonists must unravel a complex web of deceit to solve a murder. The plot twists are relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation. With its well-developed characters and gritty atmosphere, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre.
This beautifully illustrated cookbook is a culinary journey around the world, showcasing a diverse array of delicious recipes from every corner of the globe. From exotic street food to traditional home-cooked meals, each dish is a celebration of the rich tapestry of global cuisine. With its mouthwatering photographs and easy-to-follow recipes, this book is a must-have for any aspiring chef.
This poignant memoir offers a deeply personal account of one woman's journey to overcome adversity and find redemption. From childhood trauma to adult struggles, the author shares her experiences with honesty and vulnerability, offering hope and inspiration to readers facing their own challenges. With its raw emotion and powerful storytelling, this book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
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