SURABAYA’S TABOO WORDS, ARE THOSE STILL TABOO?

A STUDY OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Abstract

Taboo words, or language that is considered socially unacceptable or prohibited, are an integral part of cultural and linguistic norms. In the city of Surabaya, Indonesia, certain words and expressions have long been considered taboo, reflecting the complex interplay between language, societal values, and evolving cultural dynamics. This study aims to examine the current status of taboo words in Surabaya, exploring whether these linguistic taboos continue to hold the same significance or have undergone transformations over time. Taboo words are often rooted in sociocultural contexts and can carry deep-seated meanings or connotations that may not be immediately apparent to outsiders. "At the institutional level, taboos on certain forms of speech arise from authorities that have the power to restrict speech." In the case of Surabaya, understanding the evolution of taboo words can provide valuable insights into the broader societal changes and shifting cultural norms within the region. One relevant study conducted among the Karo people of Indonesia found that certain taboos were observed in communication, particularly among kinship relationships, where "[c]onversations can be carried out under compulsion and conveyed only very important things." (Barus, 2020) While the Karo language and cultural context differ from that of Surabaya, this research highlights the complexities involved in navigating linguistic taboos and the strategies employed to maintain social cohesion.