An analysis of taboo language in The Novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

ABSTRACT

Language influences the condition of society, because language cannot be separated from the social culture where the language exists. The social culture of a particular society ١vill influence the speaker of its language. So, they cannot use their language properly. One of the cultural aspects that people must be aware of is the use of taboo language.

Taboo is one way in which a society expresses its disapproval of certain kinds of behavior believed to be harmful to its member, either for supernatural reasons or because such behavior is held to violate a moral code. Taboo is associated with things, which are not said, and in particular With words and expressions which are not used. If the attitude is avoided, the words or language as a symbol of that attitude must be avoided too.

This research was aimed at answering the following questions; (1) In what places are taboo words and phrases expressed in 'Oliver Twist’? (2) What are the kinds of taboo words and phrases used in Oliver Twist’? This study is intended to know the places where taboo words are expressed, and the kinds of taboo words are used in 'Oliver Twist

In this research, the researcher used descriptive qualitative as the research design. It is used to describe and explain the data. To collect the data, the researcher used some steps: firstly, the researcher read the novel until the researcher understood well the content of the novel. After that she selected the data from the novel dealing with the problems of the study. The data analysis of this study were identifying the places where taboo words are used, categorizing taboo words into supernatural beings, ominous speech, animal and the name of God.

The result of this research shows that the places where taboo worda are expressed, are: in the Workhouse, Mr. Soweberry's House, Police Office, Mr. Bownlow،s House, Book Stall, Empty Shop, Chertsey Bridge, and Warehouse. The kinds of taboo language are; supernatural beings, ominous speech, names of animals, and the name of God.

After finishing this research, the researcher has some suggestions that may be useful for the readers. First, they have to understand the social condition of society in the novel and it can be used as our mirror for us to do and say some. We have to be careful when we make a decision and say a word, because we live in a particular society.

Second, for further research the researcher hopes that every of taboo research is not only be a discussion, but we have to apply what have been discussed and we have to know the situation when we talk with other people. It will be better if we begin from ourselves.