Swearing A cross-cultural study in Asian and European Languages
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2017-08-31
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en
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Abstract: Asian and European languages use swearing words to express displeasure, anger,
frustration, shock, pain, surprise and other emotions. Previous studies have examined the
use of swearing words in Asian and European languages. However, there have been few
comparative studies on the use of swear words in Asian and European languages. The present
study established how people actually swear. Sources of swearing words in Asian and
European languages were also examined. In addition, the study established types of swearing
that are commonly used among Asian and European languages. There was also an
investigation of socio-cultural factors that influence the use of swearing words in Asian and
European languages.
The study was conducted by the use of both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Systematic sampling was done to come up with an appropriate sample size for the study. A
total of 17 languages with 125 study participants took part in the study. The study was
conducted using questionnaires and interviews. It was revealed that the use of taboo words in
Asian and European languages with regard to swearing is common. The present day study
revealed that swearing words associated with sexual activity, sexual reproductive organs,
scatology, and religion are the most used in both Asian and European languages. The Dutch
language is the only language that uses diseases when it comes to swearing. Moreover, it was
also revealed that socio-cultural factors have an important role to play when it comes to
determining the use of swearing words in Asian and European languages. In conclusion, it
was unveiled that there are similarities and differences between swearing words that are used
in Asian languages and those that are used in European languages.
Key words: Swearing, Asian Language, European language, taboo words, cursing
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