AW: [sw-l] obscenities, etc.

[Stefan Woehrmann]

Hi Jerry,

I agree very much!

Stefan ;-))

-----Ursprüngliche Nachricht-----
Von: owner-sw-l at majordomo.valenciacc.edu
[mailto:owner-sw-l at majordomo.valenciacc.edu]Im Auftrag von Jerry Spillman
Gesendet: Mittwoch, 20. Oktober 2004 01:55
An: SignWriting List
Betreff: [sw-l] obscenities, etc.

Dear Valerie and List,

As this is a forum, I must put in my two cents worth.  I will maintain my
websites as family-oriented material, and without obscene expression as much
as possible.  Just because a language contains obscenity, as all languages
do, there is seldom necessity to put it to use.  There are signs for sex in
it's numerous uses as a word, and there are signs for obscenities which
roughly express the same thoughts in a less gentle manner.  I think the
point of the discussion is not whether such terminology should exist, but
whether it should become a standard of expression. Vulgarity, for example,
is merely the word meaning "the common talk".  However, in my upbringing, it
was not polite to speak in a vulgar manner in the general company of ladies
and gentlemen.  I also understand that in some settings and with some
people's culture, what may seem vulgar to "polite company" is common fare
amongst them.  And as long as it stays within that culture, people are
welcome to "have at it".

As educators and public servants, many of us elect to refrain from such
language because it can be and usually is offensive to SOMEONE who might be
present.  This varies with culture. What is OK to express in Denver,
Colorado is, in many instances, absolutely NOT OK in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Let us persevere to produce language that is acceptable to all who would
hear it, and know what the vulgarities are so that we can avoid their use in
"polite company".  I think in this light, that there is a place for such
words in a general dictionary; however, this would mandate that certain
abridgement take place before providing that dictionary for children's use.
Considering this, perhaps a separate dictionary of vulgarity and obscenity
would serve the general good in a better fashion than placing all signs, no
matter what, inside the SAME work. It would be similar to a friend of mine
who teaches technical and mathematical terminology to deaf students
providing just those students who will use such signs with them, rather than
confusing the average person with "useless" vocabulary.

I pray that in our processes of developing and defining language,  that we
learn to communicate decently and in good order while dealing and expressing
ourselves publicly.  Please consider these things as you develop your
dictionaries and write rules for editing.

Jerry Spillman
Webmaster, Cyberjer.com
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