Andrews+-+Language+Exploration+-+RM

Exploration: Casserole, again?

A. "Ugh, I had to go over to John's parent's house for dinner last night and his mom made that nasty tuna casserole again. I swear, it's almost inedible. The only way I got it down was by holding my breath and not chewing. I wanted to scream as soon as she brought it out into the dining room. I thought about telling her I'm vegetarian now."

B. "I went over to have dinner with John's parents and his mom made this tuna casserole that tastes like vomit. I don't understand how they eat that stuff. It's disgusting. Maybe you just spoiled me with lots of good food and recipes when I was still living at home."

C. "I know I should just be grateful that I had dinner, no matter how much I disliked it, there are plenty others that didn't have dinner that night. At least his parents like me and want to have me over for dinner."

D. "Your mom is such an awesome cook, but that tuna casserole just isn't my favorite."

1. My descriptions got less and less offensive as I moved from the first to the last. The tone of the first two descriptions would be quite similar. My mom and I are very close and honest with one another. When addressing my grandmother, I would have to remember that she grew up during the depression era and when talking to my significant other I would definitely be honest, but not quite as forceful and upfront as I would like to be.

2. The more intimate the relationship I have with the other individual, the more relaxed my language is. Honestly, trying to think about what I would say to my significant other was the most difficult. My answer above is very polite and demure. I am not always those things, unfortunately, and my boyfriend knows that better than anyone!