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What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves

Name: What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves
Price: 14.53 USD
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Rating: 4.4 (138 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: History & Philosophy - What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves

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Book Synopsis: 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.

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Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of profanity with What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves! This hilarious and insightful book by Benjamin Bergen explores the reasons behind our love for swearing and what it says about our language and minds. Whether it's letting out a curse word after a painful mishap or using profanity to express our emotions, swearing is a universal part of human communication.

Despite its popularity, society often perceives profanity as something negative and tries to censor it. But, did you know that swearing actually serves a purpose? In this groundbreaking study, Benjamin K. Bergen, a renowned linguist and cognitive scientist, uncovers the hidden benefits of swearing. It not only provides a cathartic release, but it can also be incredibly funny and emotionally stimulating. What the F shows how swearing can give us a window into the complexities of language processing in our brains.

Curious to explore intriguing questions about swearing? Look no further! What the F delves into the peculiarities of profanity. Have you ever wondered why stroke patients who struggle to speak can still manage to utter expletives when they're upset? Or how a simple word like "cock" acquired multiple meanings? Benjamin Bergen answers these puzzling questions with wit and intelligence. He also examines the cultural and social impact of slurs and why they can affect the way we treat others.

Prepare to be amazed by the surprising insights found in What the F. Discover the remarkable linguistic diversity across different languages and cultures when it comes to swearing. From the first word spoken by Samoan children to the origins of offensive gestures like flipping the bird, Benjamin Bergen will take you on a captivating journey through the colorful history of swearing.

Don't miss out on the chance to expand your knowledge and have a good laugh with What the F! This smart and engaging book is a must-read for anyone curious about the fascinating world of profanity. Get your hands on a copy now and dive into the delightful exploration of language, brains, and the power of swearing.

Click here to order your copy of What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves today!

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