Linguistic taboos in Tshivenḓa: Communicating across epochs

Abstract

Taboos in general and linguistic taboos in particular play a major role in Tshivenḓa culture and communication respectively. All speakers should be aware of such taboos lest they cause mayhem and miscommunication among different interlocutors. The article shows that Tshivenḓa cannot function appropriately without taking into account the role that taboos play in daily discourse. As taboos embrace a vast field, this article will only concentrate on the impact of linguistic taboos on respect for authority, swearing (expletives), body parts and functions, and sex.

S.Afr.J.Afr.Lang., 30(2) 2010