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2024 Vol. 15 №4

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Dobrushina E.R.

Linguistic and sociological perspective on the perception of profanity in Moscow in 2024

DOI
10.5922/2225-5346-2024-4-7
Pages
99-117
Russian language obscene vocabulary curses expressive words linguoso­cio­logy corpus linguistics

Abstract

The article presents the findings of a study on the attitudes toward profanity among Muscovites born between 1962 and 2011, all from families with higher education backgrounds. The research explores how respondents understand the term ‘mat,’ their views on societal restrictions regarding profanity, self-assessed frequency of using profanities and purposes for it, as well as the evolution of the attitudes toward profanity over different life stages. The study is based on the analysis of 20 interviews and 182 questionnaire responses. It also offers a concise overview of scholarly and lexicographical interpretations of the term ‘mat’. The author proposes her own definition of profanity, distinguishing it from other forms of obscene language. Preliminary statistical insights are presented. For example, 26 % of the respondents report rarely or never using ‘mat’ (excluding quotations), with 23 respondents claiming they have never used it. 14 % of the respondents identify themselves as frequent users, while 60 % admit to using it occasionally or only in specific social settings. Many respondents believe that profanity is used to some extent by everyone. However, a significant portion express discomfort when it is used simply to fill pauses in conversation. 35 % of the respondents admit to using obscene language in the presence of children, while 10 % more people are likely to limit its use with strangers compared to close friends or acquaintances. Opinions on profanity regulation vary, with 14 % supporting a strict ban, 44 % supporting a ban in specific situations, and 17 % advocating complete freedom to use profanities. In conclusion, the author offers a model for the perception of profanity: its infrequent, primarily oral speech use, restricted to private settings or among close acquaintances of either gender, but generally avoided in the presence of children. Profanity is used indirectly, not in an invective manner, and serves two main functions: psychological release and as a form of expressive or entertaining speech.

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