A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Taboo Words in Urdu Language Used by Males and Females of Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

The usage of taboo words in Urdu is now common in our society, which is under the influence of socio-cultural factors. This research study analyses the taboo words that are prevailing in society and their usage in a particular context by both males and females in Lahore, Pakistan. Quantitative methodology is used to highlight the level of acceptance of these taboo words and the socio-cultural factors that influence the use of such swear words. This includes three questionnaires from three sets of groups of 30 participants, i.e., 5 male participants and 5 female participants in each group, where Urdu is their first language: (1) 10 from 18 to 25 years of age in group A; (2) 10 from 26 to 35 years of age in group B; and (3) 10 from 36 to 50 years of age in group C. The results have shown that males are more inclined towards the usage of taboo words as compared to females. The study also reflects the role of age, qualification, and occupation in using such derogatory terms; e.g., people of older age belonging to a better social class refrain from using taboo words publicly in comparison to people who belong to a lower social class and have a low education status. It is evident in this study that there is a strong link between language and culture. For future researchers, this study will help them open up new ways to analyse linguistic taboos both grammatically and semantically.