Teacher: Mr. Perkins

Q: How has language use changed over the years at NC?

A: Students have always had their slang, and the slang has changed. Sometimes words will come back into use. Derogatory terms have always been there and they always will be.

Q: How has the discipline for foul language use changed over the years?

A: The policy has always been zero tolerance at North Central. How it gets enforced is what changes. It is very difficult to enforce because of how big the school has gotten.

Q: Personally, how do you react to hearing foul language in the hallways and classroom?

A: Often when I hear a curse word in the halls, the person is moving too fast to catch up to them and say something. If the person is right in front of me and I hear them I will stop and say something to them, but our school has gotten so big that it is difficult to enforce.

Q: What do you feel are the contributing factors to the change in language use at NC?

A: The media has changed how words get used and how words become popular. Slang and curse words often represent a lack of vocabulary. A well educated person should be able to express themselves without the use of those words.

Student: Jonathan Henry

Q: How prominent is the use of foul language at NC?

A: I’d say foul language is very common at NC. I hear it everyday in the halls and in the classroom.

Q: How do you react when you hear foul language directed at yourself or someone else?

A: I often don’t even have a reaction when I hear foul language because I have gotten so used to hearing foul language directed at others along with myself. I only react if the language used is extremely offensive.

Q: What do you feel are the contributing factors to the use of foul language at NC?

A: I feel that people are more likely to use foul language after hearing friends and peers using it. Using foul language makes students feel as if they’re fitting in because everybody else uses it too.

Zach Behrmann