The Taboo on German Language

Abstract

The terms taboo and prohibition are two different things, even though both are prohibitions. Taboo causes the violator to be hit by a plague, while abstinence-only causes physical or social sanctions, so to avoid violating the pronunciation of taboo words, substitutions or replacement of words or sentences that are considered taboo are carried out, which, if spoken in a context change the connotation of the consequences of the mention. In German culture, there are prohibitions, sayings, and utterances when confronted in every life activity, personal communication, or in conveying thoughts to others. So when faced with communication or language, rules are used, such as communicating with older, younger relatives, of the same age or in daily communication. And this research also aims to map out what is considered taboo in Germany. The method used in this research is qualitative-descriptive, namely by using interview techniques as primary data sources and written data as secondary data as supporting data to analyze problem phenomena. Based on the results of this study, there are five types of taboos in German culture. First, taboos are related to the body (everything related to the body is considered taboo). Second, taboo related to religion. Third, politics-related taboos (singing patriotic songs, putting up flags, and mentioning NAZI). Fourth, it is taboo to say two to older people (the word two is changed to Sie). Fifth, activity taboos (eating, burping, looking at partner's cell phone, littering, crossing carelessly, walking on bicycle paths, and finally, not smoking in the house). If done, all these taboo things for Germans will get sanctions, penalties, or fines.