The socio-pragmatic analysis of Amharic euphemisms of sexual organs and sexual acts

Abstract

People are afraid, ashamed, and disgusted to use taboo terms in public. Euphemisms, on the other hand, are figurative speeches that exclude offensive words. The benefits of politeness are promoted. The current study attempts to provide a socio-pragmatic analysis of Amharic euphemisms of sexual organs and sexual acts within the frameworks of politeness and relevance theories. This study will pique scholars’ interest in researching euphemisms used in other languages. Additionally, it will be useful for those learning Amharic as a second language or for those interested in Amhara culture, customs, and language. This study was carried out using the descriptive-qualitative method. The researchers utilized purposive and snowball sampling strategies. The information was gathered via semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and introspection. As a result, 57 research volunteers were purposefully used by the researchers in varied social contexts. The results imply that it is inappropriate to talk about sexual organs and sexual acts in public. In contrast, language users in the researched areas use euphemistic expressions. Along with this, native Amharic speakers in the examined areas use a range of euphemistic construction strategies, such as idioms, metaphors, understatement, overstatement, borrowing, metonymy, and circumlocution, to keep their composure, be polite, and show respect.

Keywords

• amharic euphemisms
• euphemisms
• euphemistic strategies
• face
• socio-pragmatics
• sexual acts