Abstract: This study identifies and describes the linguistic taboos related to sexual organs and their corresponding euphemistic expressions among Oromo societies of research areas. To conduct the study, qualitative method was employed. The main instruments of data collection were focus group discussion, unstructured interview and introspective method. The framework of this study is euphemism and politeness theory. The finding of the study revealed that in their daily communication, Oromo society of the research areas prohibit uttering taboos in general and taboo related to sexual organs in particular. This tabooed subject highly unmentionable taboo words which are absolutely forbidden. For this taboo terms the Oromo society of the study areas use euphemistic expressions to mild, roundabout, indirect, polite, inoffensive, agreeable, to make taboo words comparatively less unpleasant association whereas the substituted taboo words are characterized as harsh, painful, unpleasant or offensive. Avoiding taboo words through euphemistic expressions save the speaker or hearer from any feeling of shock. The society of the study areas use distinctive euphemistic expressions for a single tabooed term except some expressions they use in common. In fact, the usage of linguistic taboos and euphemistic expressions related to sexual organ are determined by context of use. Some words are similarly taboo in all research area while some of them have meaning extension, or completely not known. Finally, to minimize problems encountered by taboo word related to sexual organs and sexual acts, further research must be conducted by concerned bodies.
Keywords: linguistic taboos, euphemism, politeness, negative connotation, meaning extension.
Title: Analysis of linguistic Taboo Words Related to Sexual Organs and Their Euphemistic Expressions in Oromo
Author: Birhanu Takele Bayisa
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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