Dr. Ashley Scolaro, a cognitive neuroscientist, discusses the taboo of swearing around kids. Topics include the scientific evidence, moral concerns, brain regions involved in cursing, and the influence on children's language development. The importance of educating kids about the meaning and context of words is emphasized.
Swearing around kids can help them understand emotion and context.
Taboo language activates the emotional-processing right hemisphere of the brain.
Openly discussing taboo language helps children navigate and understand language use in social contexts.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Swearing Around Your Kids
Contrary to popular belief, swearing in front of your kids is not harmful and may even have some benefits. The taboo nature of swear words can help children understand concepts like emotion and context. Children are likely to use taboo words regardless, so it's better to teach them when and how to use them appropriately. Swearing in front of kids also provides an opportunity for social modeling, where kids learn appropriate language use from their parents. It is important to educate children about the meaning and impact of slurs, and discourage their use. Euphemisms should also be explained to ensure children understand their significance and potential offensiveness.
The Science Behind Swearing and Language Processing
Swearing, or taboo language, activates different regions of the brain, particularly the right hemisphere which is involved in emotional processing. The left hemisphere is typically associated with language, but taboo words engage the right hemisphere due to their emotional nature. Some individuals with brain damage may lose the ability to speak but can still sing because singing is processed in different brain regions. Swearing in front of children does not significantly impact their language development or cause them to mimic those words beyond what is normal for their age. Swearing can be part of normal human communication and emotional expression.
Maintaining Context and Open Conversations
Swearing in front of children does not automatically lead to negative outcomes or excessive use of profanity. Instead, it is important for parents to provide context and explain the appropriate use of such words. By openly discussing taboo language with children, parents can ensure that children understand the meaning and consequences of certain words, including slurs. Additionally, parents should address euphemisms and how they can sometimes mask the offensive or insensitive nature of certain words. By maintaining open conversations and providing guidance, parents can help children navigate and understand language use in social contexts.
Language Development and Brain Plasticity
Language development and brain plasticity are interconnected processes. Different regions of the brain are responsible for specific language functions. For example, damage to Broca's area can result in speech impairments. The brain is plastic and can adapt to some extent, but certain areas have specific tasks. Taking a random sample of brain tissue and examining it under a microscope can reveal certain features indicating its location and function within the brain.
Taboo Language and Neurological Basis
Taboo language, such as swearing or cursing, has a neurological basis tied to emotional processing, primarily in the right hemisphere of the brain. The brain is built to process taboo language differently from other forms of language. Research conducted by Timothy J. and others has shown that certain brain regions are involved in processing taboo language. Children learn taboo language through observation and modeling, and they may use such language creatively. Educating children about the history, meanings, and appropriate use of taboo words can help them understand and navigate language better.
Today's guest is Dr. Ashley Scolaro! She is a cognitive neuroscientist who teaches psychology and whose research includes taboo language, conspiracy theory belief, and memory and decision making. And she is here to tell why maybe it's totally fine to swear around your damn hell ass kids! F yeah! But also we delve into a lot of brain stuff too that's super fascinating regardless of the parenting angle.
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