Bangkan Malayan Swearing Words

Abstract

Swearing words are commonly perceived as taboo, impolite, and socially inappropriate expressions. However, their persistence in everyday communication across languages and cultures indicates their deep-rooted function in human interaction. This study aims to explore the origin and function of swearing words in Bangkan Malayan, a regional dialect spoken on Bangka Island by a multicultural society. This research was conducted qualitatively through observation and semi-structured interviews with native speakers. The investigation revealed that swearing expressions in the dialect originate from five distinct sources: mental attributes, animal references, religious beliefs, part of body, and symbolic elements related to impurity. These origins are strongly influenced by the cultural and religious context of the community, particularly Islamic values. Functionally, the swearing words serve not only to insult but also to express strong emotions, generate humor, establish solidarity, and affirm social or individual identity. Interestingly, some expressions have undergone semantic shifts, allowing for humorous or non-hostile use depending on the context. The findings highlight that swearing in Bangkan Malayan is not merely an act of verbal aggression, but a complex socio-linguistic phenomenon deeply embedded in local norms, emotions, and interpersonal dynamics. Therefore, it reflects a structured communicative strategy with both expressive and social functions. This study contributes to the broader understanding of linguistic taboos and swearing in minority languages, and encourages further exploration in under-researched regional varieties.