Questionnaire

Here is the revised version of our questionnaire that we intend to use as a final draft:

This questionnaire has been created by English Language students to investigate the use of taboo language. Due to the nature of this investigation, some language may be considered offensive, but it is purely for research purposes, so please answer as honestly as possible. By completing it, you are giving your consent for the information you provide to be used in the previously mentioned investigation. All personal details are anonymous and if you have any queries, please contact Louis Atkinson at louis.atkinson@yahoo.co.uk or Samantha Guess at SXG006@bham.ac.uk

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.


Please circle the following category that applies to you:

Gender: Male Female

Age group: 18-25 26-35 36-45 46-55 56+



Look at these words and answer the following questions:
1) Bloody
2) Cunt
3) Fuck
4) Shit
5) Twat


1. Are you unfamiliar with any of the words above? (Circle yes or no below)

YES NO

If yes, please state:________________________________________________________________



2. Which word are you most likely to in the following contexts (you can use the words more than once, or you can leave a space blank if you feel that none of the words are appropriate):

Anger/Frustration:________________________________________________________________
Direct Insult:____________________________________________________________________
For emphasis/exaggeration_________________________________________________________
Everyday conversation:____________________________________________________________
Joy:____________________________________________________________________________
Term of endearment:______________________________________________________________


3. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being least offensive and 5 being most offensive, how would you rank these words? (Please circle)

Bloody 1 2 3 4 5
Cunt 1 2 3 4 5
Fuck 1 2 3 4 5
Shit 1 2 3 4 5
Twat 1 2 3 4 5


4. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being never and 5 being very frequently, how often do you use these words? (Please circle)
Bloody 1 2 3 4 5
Cunt 1 2 3 4 5
Fuck 1 2 3 4 5
Shit 1 2 3 4 5
Twat 1 2 3 4 5

5. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being not at all and 5 being very, how appropriate is the use of the words in the company of a parent?

Bloody 1 2 3 4 5

Cunt 1 2 3 4 5

Fuck 1 2 3 4 5

Shit 1 2 3 4 5

Twat 1 2 3 4 5

6. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being not at all and 5 being very, how appropriate is the use of the words in the company of a close friend?

Bloody 1 2 3 4 5

Cunt 1 2 3 4 5

Fuck 1 2 3 4 5

Shit 1 2 3 4 5

Twat 1 2 3 4 5

7. On a scale of 1 to 5, 1 being not at all and 5 being very, how appropriate is the use of the words in the company of a stranger?

Bloody 1 2 3 4 5

Cunt 1 2 3 4 5

Fuck 1 2 3 4 5

Shit 1 2 3 4 5

Twat 1 2 3 4 5

8. In general, who are you more comfortable swearing in the company of?

Males Females No difference

9. Which word in the English Language do you find the most offensive? (You can select a word from inside or outside the five we have given you)

_______________________________________________________________________________



10. If you have any further comments about taboo language, please feel free to express them:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________