Introduction
In the linguistic landscape of Pakistani English, the terms ‘blue films’ and ‘blue prints’ are used to refer to adult content. While these terms might not be immediately familiar to American English speakers, there are deeper roots in the history of English language and censorship that can help clarify their meaning.
The Use of 'Blue' in English
The term 'blue' in English has a rich and varied history, often referencing themes of mischievous, inappropriate, or risqué content. In one historical context, a 'blue pencil' was used by censors to mark inappropriate material for removal. This symbolically represents the actions of authority figures who edit or remove content that is deemed unsuitable.
The Terminology in Pakistani English
When it comes to referring to adult films, or films that contain explicit or sensitive content, Pakistani English uses the term 'blue films.' This term is derived from the idea of 'blue penciling,' an action associated with censorship. In Pakistani English, 'blue films' would include any type of film that is considered to be of an adult nature, covering a wide range of themes and genres.
Comparison with American English
While the term 'blue films' is not commonly used in American English, the concept behind it is not entirely foreign. The term 'blue' in American English has a different connotation, often associated with humor that is considered to be overly suggestive or inappropriate. For example, 'blue humor' or 'blue jokes' were once common in American English, though they are now less frequently used. The term 'blue pencil' in American English, on the other hand, is still used to refer to censorship or editing actions, often involving the removal of inappropriate material.
Historical Context of Censorship
The history of 'blue penciling' can be traced back to the early days of publishing and film censorship. The term 'blue pencil' was used by censors to mark parts of a manuscript or film that they felt were inappropriate for publication. This tradition has roots in the Victorian era when propriety and moral standards were of utmost importance. The use of a blue pencil was a visual cue to editors and censors that certain parts needed to be altered or removed to ensure adherence to societal norms.
Examples and Usage
When a term like 'blue prints' (as distinct from 'blue films') is used, it is less likely to be comprehensible to American English speakers. The term 'blue prints' in English traditionally refers to detailed drawings used for construction or engineering. In Pakistani English, 'blue films' is more likely to be understood in the context of adult content or films, given the historical roots of the term 'blue' associated with censorship.
Conclusion
While the terms 'blue films' and 'blue prints' may be confusing to American English speakers at first, they are deeply rooted in the history of English language and censorship. 'Blue films' in Pakistani English can be understood with the context of censorship and the historical use of a 'blue pencil' by censors to mark inappropriate content. Although 'blue humor' and 'blue pencil' in American English have different connotations, the underlying concepts of inappropriate or censored content remain consistent. Understanding these historical and linguistic contexts can help bridge the gap in comprehension for non-native speakers and provide insights into the cultural nuances of different English-speaking regions.