Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Discover how swearing has evolved and why “bad words” no longer shock us. Linguistics expert Philip Seargeant explains how taboo language changes, how social media shapes the way we speak, and why swearing plays a powerful role in identity, culture, and communication.
Transcript media-podcast.open.ac.uk/feeds/3998_youtubeuploadsfriday/20260325T131122_OpenLearn_Podcast_5-Dr_Philip_Seargeant.pdf
Read the article https://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/swearing-today-have-our-attitudes-changed
When words escape control: Tourette syndrome and slurs: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education-development/when-words-escape-control-tourette-syndrome-and-slurs
Study a free course on slang
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/exploring-languages-and-cultures/content-section-3.2
Study BA (Honours) Language Studies open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q30
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The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.
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Discover how swearing has evolved and why “bad words” no longer shock us. Linguistics expert Philip Seargeant explains how taboo language changes, how social media shapes the way we speak, and why swearing plays a powerful role in identity, culture, and communication.
Transcript media-podcast.open.ac.uk/feeds/3998_youtubeuploadsfriday/20260325T131122_OpenLearn_Podcast_5-Dr_Philip_Seargeant.pdf
Read the article https://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/swearing-today-have-our-attitudes-changed
When words escape control: Tourette syndrome and slurs: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education-development/when-words-escape-control-tourette-syndrome-and-slurs
Study a free course on slang
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/exploring-languages-and-cultures/content-section-3.2
Study BA (Honours) Language Studies open.ac.uk/courses/qualifications/q30
If you are contemplating using this Open University content, please visit the Copyright and Intellectual Property section of OpenLearn’s frequently asked questions https://www.open.edu/openlearn/about-openlearn/frequently-asked-questions-on-openlearn
The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality online degrees and distance learning, serving students across the globe with highly respected degree qualifications, and the triple accredited MBA. The OU teaches through its own unique method of distance learning, called ‘supported open learning’ and you do not need any formal qualifications to study with us, just commitment and a desire to find out what you are capable of.
Free learning from The Open University http://www.open.edu/openlearn/
For more like this subscribe to the Open University channel youtube.com/channel/UCXsH4hSV_kEdAOsupMMm4Qw
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouopenlearn
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/OUFreeLearning
