Taboo Language and Pragmatic Constraints in English and Uzbek: A Comparative Pragmatic Analysis

Abstract

This comparative study examines taboo language and pragmatic constraints in English and Uzbek through the lens of sociolinguistic and pragmatic theory. Taboo words, euphemisms, and politeness strategies serve as cultural markers that reflect societal norms, values, and interpersonal dynamics. Drawing on recent cross-linguistic research, including multi-lab studies spanning 17 countries and 13 languages (Sulpizio et al., 2024), this article analyzes how speakers of English and Uzbek navigate sensitive topics such as bodily functions, death, disease, sexuality, and profanity. The study employs Brown and Levinson’s (1987) politeness theory as a theoretical framework to understand face-saving mechanisms and pragmatic strategies in both languages. Findings reveal that while English demonstrates moderate informality with context-dependent taboo use, Uzbek culture enforces stricter avoidance patterns rooted in Islamic values and collectivist social structures. The research contributes to cross-cultural pragmatics by highlighting culture-specific manifestations of linguistic taboo and their implications for intercultural communication, language teaching, and translation studies.