90 The tricky point of deducing the reference of the taboo words of this theme
in this monologue is that Carlin sometimes plays the taboo words with their homonymy relation with their other reference which is not taboo. This occurs to the
word cock, pussy, and ass. In the occasion of uttering those words, Carlin refers to “rooster” for cock, “cat” for pussy, and “donkey” for ass. It is considered as the
comedic part of Carlin’s monologue as it is observed from the perlocutionary effect of the utterances which makes the audiences laugh.
The research question number two is: how are the taboo words and swear words used in Carlin
’s monologue? The taboo words and swear words are used in five different ways i.e. descriptively, idiomatically, abusively, emphatically, and
cathartically. The frequent utterances of taboo words and swear words in this utterance
might risk Carlin into an accusation of delivering indecent material ” as it is stated in
the first point of the Miller test: “an average person, applying contemporary
community standards, must find that the material, as whole, appeals to the prurient interest
” as it is pointed out by John Douglas in his letter to FCC. However, the accusation for the second point “the material must depict or describe, in patently
offensive way, sexual conduct specifi cally defined by applicable law”, the
accusation is considered lack of pragmatic analysis. Carlin indeed describes sexual conduct but not in an offensive way. The offensiveness of a taboo words or swear
words might occur if a swear word is used abusively and perform the illocutionary force. However, no abusive swear word in this monologue qualifies the felicity
91 condition which makes the swear words do not perform their illocutionary force and
thus not really used to offend.
5.2. Recommendations
This writer acknowledges that this thesis is still incomplete. Therefore, there are some recommendations proposed by the writer:
First, this research aims to initiate a discussion about the taboo word and swear word among the scholars. Therefore, it is expected that the discussion
about taboo word and swear word does not only stop at judging them as indecent. The scholars are expected to more critical to the occurrence of taboo
word and swear word in various circumstances and learn them in different perspectives.
Second, this thesis is expected to be a valuable resource for scholars having an interest on the matter of taboo and swearing. Therefore, the writer
suggests that this thesis is used appropriately. Third, various resources are found to be helpful in supporting this thesis.
Journals and scholar articles are already accessible. However, more books specializing on taboo words and swear words are better provided since it is quite
difficult to access some books about taboo word and swear word.
92 Fourth, most cultures are still sensitive toward the occurrence of taboo
word and swear word. However, taboo word and swear word has various utilities in pragmatic context as suggested by Crystal 2009, Wajnryb 2006, Ljung
2009, Pinker 2007, and some other experts concerning on this matter. Those who read this thesis or are interested in this subject are expected to find out more
information about taboo, taboo word, and swear word and be able to apply the use of these words in appropriate contexts.
93
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