A Sociolinguistic Study of Linguistics Taboo Expressions in Amharic Language

Abstract

This study investigates the different categories of linguistic taboos and the mechanisms used by the Amharic speakers to avoid the use of linguistic taboos through different types of replacement of taboo words with more acceptable words in Amharic language, in case of Wollo as well as Gojam speech communities. The informants for the present study consists of Wollo (Weldiya) and Gojam (Bahir Dar) native speakers of Amharic, those who use the two dialects of Amharic language. There was a sample of 30 individuals from Wollo and Gojam Societies (15 male and 15 female), and were divided into two generation groups, as the younger generation and old generation groups. The informants were recruited purposively depending on their social background. The researcher made interviews different social classes who are the native speakers of the Amharic language in Wollo, as well as, Gojam, and distribute questionnaire in the same places. The taboo words in Amharic speaking societies have been divided into two categories (Totally/Absolutely/ and context based) each with subcategories. The Amharic speakers in this area have also been using euphemisms, constructions, and use of standard Amharic terms as its results shows. The study also says that these processes are conditioned as to why certain taboo words are accompanied by particular conventionally- fixed words. The study adopts the ‘politeness’ and ‘Face’ approach proposed by Brown and Levinson as the theoretical framework for the analysis of linguistic taboos in Amharic speaking societies.