Fact Check: "Bangladeshis are the politest English speakers with only 7 curses per 100,000 words."
What We Know
The claim that "Bangladeshis are the politest English speakers with only 7 curses per 100,000 words" appears to originate from a comparative study of swearing across different English-speaking populations. According to a source, Bangladeshis reportedly use only 7 curses per 100,000 words, making them the least vulgar among various groups, including Americans, Brits, and Australians, who use significantly higher frequencies of curse words (25, 22, and 20 per 100,000 words, respectively) (source-4).
Additionally, a sociolinguistic study focusing on English swear words used by Bangladeshi youth indicates that while there is a growing acceptance of English swear words among younger generations, the overall usage remains relatively low compared to other cultures (source-1).
Analysis
The claim's validity rests on the accuracy of the data regarding the frequency of curse words among different English-speaking populations. The primary source of this claim is a study that compares swearing habits across cultures. The assertion that Bangladeshis are the "politest" English speakers is supported by the statistical claim of 7 curses per 100,000 words, which is significantly lower than that of other English-speaking countries (source-4).
However, the reliability of this claim is contingent upon the methodologies used in the studies cited. The sociolinguistic study mentioned (source-1) employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, which could lend credibility to its findings. Yet, without access to the full methodology and sample size, it's difficult to ascertain the robustness of the data.
Moreover, while the claim positions Bangladeshis as the politest speakers, it does not account for cultural nuances surrounding swearing and politeness, which can vary significantly across different societies. The context in which swearing occurs and the social implications of such language use are critical to understanding the broader picture of politeness in language (source-2).
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that "Bangladeshis are the politest English speakers with only 7 curses per 100,000 words" requires further investigation. While there is some statistical support for the assertion, the methodologies behind the data collection and cultural interpretations of swearing need to be scrutinized. The claim's context and the potential biases in the studies cited also warrant a more thorough examination to establish a definitive conclusion.
Sources
- A Sociolinguistic Study of English Swear Words Used By Bangladeshi Youth
- Ambiguities and Tensions in The Role and Use of English in Bangladesh
- 知乎，中文互联网高质量的问答社区
- Americans more vulgar online than Brits, Aussies — study
- The sound of swearing: Are there universal patterns in profanity?
- How to support farmers as climate change hits agriculture | World Economic Forum
- English Swear Words in Bangladesh: A Sociolinguistic Study
- How Bangladesh offers lessons for sustainable industrialization in Africa
