Tuesday, November 01, 2011

OK, so I admit it

Since her blog is private, I can't link to it any more I guess, but Kari did some research that is actually practical and pertains to my life, and so for once I'm admitting that possibly there are some times when a little research might help.

So, since this isn't a private matter I'm sure she won't care if I quote her as she quotes some researcher.

Many studies suggest that the brain processes swearing in the lower regions, along with emotion and instinct. Scientists theorize that instead of processing a swearword as a series of phonemes, or units of sound that must be combined to form a word, the brain stores swear words as whole units [ref]. So, the brain doesn’t need the left hemisphere’s help to process them.

The limbic system, which also houses memory, emotion and basic behavior. The limbic system also seems to govern vocalizations in primates and other animals, and some researchers have interpreted some primate vocalizations as swearing.

The basal ganglia, which play a large role in impulse control and motor functions.


Why does this matter? Because if this is true, then it isn't nearly as personal as I've taken it over the years. And possibly not nearly as sinful as we have categorized it to be.

Even knowing that it is difficult not to have the adrenaline start pumping when a kid has both middle fingers up and is screaming, "I hope you burn in F**** hell you F**** fat A*** B****." But maybe a bit of research will help me to remember that it's all about the limbic system and basal ganglia.

OK, so I admit it -- i won't remember those details -- but if I just say -- brain issue to myself it might save undo stress. ;-)

5 comments:

Kari said...

I'll flag this post to come back and read whenever you tease me about being hyper researched. ☺

DynamicDuo said...

or just repeat to yourself - limbic system basal ganglia....
it's nearly as good as my rumplestilskinpicklerelish - oh and put a smile on (you know the one, tour guide Barbie!)

ZetaBlue said...

Well the two middle fingers up in the air are clearly intentional.....The involuntary cussing does come from brain damage/deterioration.

The brain stores all cuss words together and sometimes as wiring misfires, they blurt out. This is what happens to the kind little old ladies in the nursing homes that suddenly start swearing like sailors. This is also seen in people with Tourette's.

Paul learned a bunch about this in his linguistics class and can better supply you with the details if you are interesetd.

Marge said...

I have learned to repeat: Brain damage, brain damage, or sometimes drain bramage, drain bramage.

Lisa said...

Great....sometimes I think as we learn all of these new things about our kids and the level of brain damage that drugs/alcohol/inhalants have caused them, it just gives us another reason to be really ticked off at the bio parents. Other times it makes me nuts to think of society looking at these kids and judging them based on what they see instead of on all of the stupidly complex issues they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Either way - it stinks!

The worst thing is that I have kids who try to control themselves, and it shows, while others just let it rip and pity the person who happens to cross their path when they're on a roll!