Abstract
The purposes of this research are to determine the types of taboo words, the functions of taboo words, and in what context taboo words are uttered by the characters in the TV series. This study employed descriptive qualitative method. The sources of the data were 8 videos from the first season of Sex Education TV series and their transcripts. In analyzing the data, the theory of Wardhaugh (2014) was used to describe types and functions of taboo words and the theory of Fromkin (2005) to describe in what context taboo words are uttered in the TV series. The results of this research show that there are data of taboo words which are categorized into seven types; they are sex term, death, excretion, bodily function, religious matter, mother-in-law, and the left hand. The findings suggest that the characters use taboo words mostly to draw attention and to show contempt.
Highlights
Language has always been an important source of communication and people use it in daily conversation
The first season of the series released on Netflix was adopted as the data through the dialogues spoken by the characters in Sex Education TV series
There are 192 data of taboo words found in the source of data which are categorized into the seven types of taboo words, they are sex term, death, excretion, bodily function, religious matter, mother-in-law, and the left hand
Summary
Language has always been an important source of communication and people use it in daily conversation. Language is important because it enables humans have the ability to communicate and interact with one another. Some people may prefer to use language that has a strong impact to express their mood such as when they are happy, sad, or angry. People sometimes use certain kind of words that are considered as bad language which is inappropriate to be used. Taboo is a cultural or religious custom that does not allow people to do, use, or talk about a particular thing as people find it offensive or embarrassing, taboo words are words that many people consider offensive or shocking, for example, because they refer to sex, the body or people’s race
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Language Literacy: Journal of Linguistics, Literature, and Language Teaching
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
