Exploring the Euphemistic and Taboo Expressions from Punjabi and Saraiki Newspapers: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The paper aims to explore the taboo and euphemistic expressions in the Punjabi and Saraiki languages as well as compare the taboos and euphemistic expressions through jargon, contractions, metaphoric expressions, circumlocutions, etc.

Methodology: To explore the similarities between taboo and euphemistic expressions in the language of Punjabi and Saraiki newspapers the Politeness theory of Brown and Levinson is used. The data for this study is taken from the Saraiki newspaper Daily Jhoke Siraiki (2022) and the Punjabi newspaper Daily Bhulekha (2022), comprises fifteen clauses from Punjabi and fifteen clauses from Saraiki to undertake the research.

Findings: The findings show that both languages used a lot of euphemistic expressions, linguistic choices, and strategies that are similar to each other and portray the culture, norms, and behaviors of both areas. There is a lot of research and literature on euphemisms in western languages and cultures for example British, American, and French languages and their cultures. However, research on taboos and euphemisms in Saraiki and Punjabi language is not initiated yet.

Conclusion: The study explores the similarities between taboo and euphemistic expressions in the language of Punjabi and Saraiki newspapers. The study is significant because it highlights the similarities between the taboo and euphemistic expressions in the two different cultures. It focuses on the linguistic choices that had been made by addresses to avoid taboo words. Moreover, this research aims to explore the similarities between the cultures of Saraiki and Punjabi taboos and euphemistic expressions that are portrayed in the newspapers by using Brown and Levinson's Politeness theory so this study will add value to the discourse of taboos and euphemisms. Furthermore, this research will provide an opportunity for future researchers to explore more types and strategies of euphemism in the field of newspapers.