Language analysis of CSI:Miami, need your input!

andricon

Civilian
Hi guys, I'm a guy from Cyprus and I love CSI miami! I'm currently at university and i decided to do a project for my class (Tv and cultural identity) about CSI Miami.

I want to ask you guys a question and I will properly reference you in my project.

The question is this:

Can you please tell me anything you can about the language BEHIND the language that's spoken in CSI miami. What I'm looking for is some insights (however small) that someone can take from the laguage used in CSI that reveal cultural or social aspects of society.

For example: In one episode Delko says, "nice artwork", when he is refering to tatoos, or "He's got ink" in another episode. This reveals a lot about your culture towards tatoos. They are considered art? Something to be proud of? Generally accepeted by society?


Thanks!

Andy
 
I am no expert in this area, but here are my thoughts.

They are considered art? Art can come in many forms, from a painting on a canvas to some doodling on a note pad. I don't have tattoos, but have seen many. Some tattoo artists just copy pictures out of a book but some do extraordinary work.

Generally accepted by society? Here in the United States, tattoos are very common. Some are visible to anybody passing by and some are small and hidden behind clothing. Depending upon the profession, some employers might not hire a person with a visible tattoo, or a nose or lip piercing, or multicolor hairdo, or all of those.

Something to be proud of? Maybe in some street gang, motorcycle club, or military agency, a tattoo might be something to be proud of. For others, it might be a way of expressing themselves. Others might do that by wearing a tee shirt with a message. I guess that with so many Cubans and other people in Miami from other backgrounds, a tattoo might be a proud thing.

Hope this helps.
 
Something I have always noticed is the use of the words "Sir" and "Mam" on the show. I live in the Northeastern part of the United States, and these titles on not really used in common speech. Only in really professional settings are they heard. I'm told that it's a Southern thing, but I suppose I wouldn't really know. Not sure if that helps much, but that's what I've got.
 
Having been in the hotel business for many years, I use "sir" and "ma'am" quite often. "Ma'am" is just an abbreviated used of the word "madam."
 
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