DefinePK

Research Objective

To explore and compare taboo and euphemistic expressions in Punjabi and Saraiki newspapers, analyzing their use through jargon, contractions, metaphoric expressions, and circumlocutions, and to identify linguistic choices that demonstrate politeness in these cultures.

Methodology

This study employs Brown and Levinson's Politeness theory. Data was collected from two newspapers: Daily Jhoke Siraiki (2022) and Daily Bhulekha (2022). Fifteen clauses were randomly extracted from each newspaper, totaling thirty clauses, to analyze similarities in taboo and euphemistic expressions, social norms, and linguistic choices related to politeness.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Select Punjabi and Saraiki Newspapers"] --> B["Extract 15 Clauses from Each"];
    B --> C["Apply Brown and Levinson's Politeness Theory"];
    C --> D["Analyze Clauses for Euphemistic/Taboo Expressions"];
    D --> E["Compare Expressions and Linguistic Choices"];
    E --> F["Identify Similarities and Cultural Norms"];
    F --> G["Formulate Findings and Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The research highlights the cultural similarities between Punjabi and Saraiki societies as evidenced by their shared use of euphemistic expressions for taboo subjects. The application of Brown and Levinson's Politeness theory provides a framework for understanding how these linguistic choices serve to maintain social harmony and "save face" in communication. The study also notes a lack of prior research on taboos and euphemisms in these specific languages compared to Western cultures.

Key Findings

Both Punjabi and Saraiki languages utilize a significant number of euphemistic expressions and linguistic strategies that are similar, reflecting the shared culture and norms of the regions. The study found that euphemisms are frequently used to avoid taboo words and sensitive topics in newspaper discourse.

Conclusion

The study successfully identified similarities in taboo and euphemistic expressions between Punjabi and Saraiki newspapers, underscoring shared cultural norms. It demonstrates how linguistic choices, such as jargon, metaphor, and circumlocution, are employed to navigate sensitive topics politely. This research contributes to the discourse on taboos and euphemisms and offers a foundation for future studies in this area.

Fact Check

- The study was published in March 2023. (Confirmed by journal details)
- Data was collected from newspapers published in 2022. (Confirmed by methodology section)
- Fifteen clauses were extracted from each of the two newspapers. (Confirmed by methodology section)

Mind Map