Question

Evaluate the adults' responses to the following situation.

Thad is four. One day, his aunt asks him if he wants to go on a walk and he declines and uses a swear word. He speaks in a pleasant voice, however. Thad's mother bursts out laughing. "I wonder where he heard that?" she says. Thad's aunt says, "Isn't that precious?"

Answer 1

Adults' responses to Thad's use of a swear word suggest different attitudes within their speech community toward language use. Thad's mother finds it amusing, while his aunt terms it 'precious,' both potentially influencing Thad's understanding of appropriate language and signaling early code switching.

Step-by-step explanation:

The responses of the adults in the situation where four-year-old Thad declined to go on a walk using a swear word require evaluation. The casual reactions of Thad's mother laughing and his aunt calling it 'precious' could be a reflection of differing speech communities and the norms within them regarding language use. Thad's mother's amusement might indicate a more relaxed attitude towards informal language, whereas the aunt's endearment could signify a tolerance or even encouragement of childish behaviors.

These responses also touch on the concept of code switching, where individuals alter their speech, behavior, or expressions based on their audience. It's possible that Thad's pleasant voice, despite the use of a swear word, demonstrates early code switching, distinguishing between tone and language content in various social contexts. It is crucial for adults to guide children in understanding appropriate language use within their speech community and when code switching may be necessary.

Answer 2

Answer: The adults are just making him think it is okay to use swear words by laughing. The adults are acting childish and think it is cute. They did not react appropriately and they are not using good parenting skills.

Step-by-step explanation:

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