Language Choice and Cultural Context: A Case Study of Taboo Words and Expressions in Nimo Speech Community

Abstract

This paper investigates language choice and cultural context by studying the use of taboo words and expressions in the Nimo speech community. The objectives of this research were to explore the Nimo cultural norms, values, and beliefs by investigating the attitudes of the Nimo speakers with regard to the use of taboo words and euphemistic expressions and various contexts where the use of certain words and expressions are tabooed in the speech community. It describes the main reasons why they use taboo words and discuss some sensitive topics such as sex and death etc. This study advances some explanation on the social and psychological aspects which influence greatly the individuals' employment of language with the age and sex restraints. It also aims to test their attitudes regarding the use of taboos in mixed-sex groups. To achieve the objectives of this study, three research questions were developed. The design of the study was a descriptive survey. The Speech Act Theory of Austin 1962 was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The target population for this study was 18,428 indigenes of Nimo in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 12 respondents for this study. The oral interview was used to elicit information from the respondents. The data for this study were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data from the respondents were analyzed critically. Qualitative data from journal articles, books, magazines, and newspapers were explored and used in this study. The findings of this study reveal that Nimo speakers have distinct attitudes regarding the use of taboos and euphemistic expressions. There are many reasons behind the use of taboo words by the speakers and they do not discuss taboo topics in mixed-sex groups. This study recommends that students should be exposed to related Igbo programme(s) on radios and televisions. Both schools and homes need to be brought together so that the application of cultural values to daily lifestyle may be a reality. Igbo language teachers must serve as good instruments and be prepared to utilize their skills in helping their students achieve a high degree of proficiency in the Igbo language. Keywords: Language choice, cultural context, taboo word, euphemism DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/90-02 Publication date: July 31 st 2022