Language Censorship in English Movies and Television
Language censorship in English movies and television
Lam Pui Ling
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lim Woei Hoa
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ooi Chee Ling
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract
This paper examines the issue of censorship in English movies and television programs mostly in the Malaysian context, specifically from the language aspect. A simple introduction is given in defining language and censorship. The procedure used to conduct the research and in completing this research paper is also included. There will be an outlook on the collection of censored words or phrases, the motive for such censorship as well as the viewers’ opinion in regards of this particular language censorship. Subsequently, the result, which is the impact or influence of language censorship will be discussed after a qualitative data analysis. Last but not least, the findings will be concluded briefly followed by the appendixes.
I. Introduction
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2009), the definition of language is “a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings”. Generally, language is very important in our everyday lives, be it any language – English, Chinese, Malay, Hindi or more. It plays the important role of being the medium of our communication. As a matter of fact, English language is the well-known lingua franca that connects people from all around the globe. As we know it, there are many movies and television (TV) shows that are featured in English language. Therefore, it is crucial for the filmmakers and TV programmers to know how to use the right words because it can affect the viewers, rather mentally. According to Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (1971), a child will behave according to what he learns from the environment, especially television shows. Jessica Moore (2007) wrote an article where she mentioned
Lam Pui Ling
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Lim Woei Hoa
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ooi Chee Ling
UCSI University
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abstract
This paper examines the issue of censorship in English movies and television programs mostly in the Malaysian context, specifically from the language aspect. A simple introduction is given in defining language and censorship. The procedure used to conduct the research and in completing this research paper is also included. There will be an outlook on the collection of censored words or phrases, the motive for such censorship as well as the viewers’ opinion in regards of this particular language censorship. Subsequently, the result, which is the impact or influence of language censorship will be discussed after a qualitative data analysis. Last but not least, the findings will be concluded briefly followed by the appendixes.
I. Introduction
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2009), the definition of language is “a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings”. Generally, language is very important in our everyday lives, be it any language – English, Chinese, Malay, Hindi or more. It plays the important role of being the medium of our communication. As a matter of fact, English language is the well-known lingua franca that connects people from all around the globe. As we know it, there are many movies and television (TV) shows that are featured in English language. Therefore, it is crucial for the filmmakers and TV programmers to know how to use the right words because it can affect the viewers, rather mentally. According to Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (1971), a child will behave according to what he learns from the environment, especially television shows. Jessica Moore (2007) wrote an article where she mentioned
References: (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2009, from Wiley InterScience: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/120718789/HTMLSTART aimless Alexander, L. (2008, September 23). Negative Affects of Television. Retrieved March 29, 2009, from Media Chatter: http://www.commajor.com/?p=2211 Annoyed Couch Potato Anonymous. (2008, February 22). Censorship lax because of lack of understanding of language. Retrieved March 10, 2009, from The Star Online: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/22/focus/20307246&sec=focus Bandura, A Censorship. (2000-2009). Retrieved April 1, 2009, from 123HelpMe.com: http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=39796 BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Dawn Hollywood Censored: The Production Code. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2009, from PBS.com: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/cultureshock/beyond/hollywood.html Husain (Tuan Hj Husain Hj Shafie) Jenny Wong. (2009, April 2). (Pauline Lam, Interviewer) Jie, Y Kaye, B. K., & Sapolsky, B. S. (2005). Talking a Blue Streak: Context of Offensive Language in Prime Time Network Television Programs. Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, 81 , pp. 911-927. Kirsh, S. J. (2006). Children, adolescents, and media violence: a critical look at the research. SAGE. Language definition. (2009). Retrieved March 30, 2009, from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/language Moore, J Seels, B., Fullerton, K., Berry, L., & Horn, L. J. (n.d.). Research on learning from television. Retrieved April 3, 2009, from www.aect.org/edtech/12.pdf The Godfather The Grolier International Dictionary. (1987). U.S.: Houghton Miffin Company. The Real World. (2009). Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Real_World Timothy, R TV and Film Censorship in Malaysia. (1995-2005). Retrieved March 30, 2009, from FileRoom.org.