Spanish 2: Unit 3 The Pragmatics of Swearing Assignment

Swearing is influenced by (1) pragmatics, such as the conversational topic; (2) the physical setting, such as a relaxed versus a formal environment; and (3) the speaker-listener relationship, including variables such as gender, status, and occupation. With your partner, think of answers for the following:

1. A conversational topic where it would be ok to swear:

Ans: Talking about a party with friends

2. A conversational topic where it would NOT be ok to swear:

Ans: Discussing grades with a professor

3. A physical setting where it would be ok to swear:

Ans: In my dorm

4. A physical setting where it would NOT be ok to swear:

Ans: At home

5. A person with whom I could definitely swear:

Ans: My friends

6. A person with whom I would never swear:

Ans: My parents