FINDING AND DISCUSSION Efl Learners’ Comprehension Of English Taboo Words In Internet Meme.

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FINDING AND DISCUSSION

This chapter reports finding and discussion. Firstly, it describes the type of

taboo language found in internet meme and EFL learners’ understanding of taboo

language in internet meme. Secondly, it attempts to discuss the answer of the Research Questions stated in Chapter 1.

A. Research Finding

1. Types of English Taboo Words.

The study used the theory of Batistella (2005) in analyzing the types of taboo language. There were 4 types of taboo language: profanity, epithet, vulgarity, and obscenity. This section describes the findings of the research of taboo language in interne meme. The table shows the frequency of the occurrence of types of taboo language in internet meme. The results are various and they will be displayed in the following table.

Table 4.1 Type of Taboo Language.

Type of taboo Frequency Percentage Pfn 7 6.48% Ept 35 32.40% Vul 32 29.62% Obs 34 31.50% Total 108 100%

Pfn: profanity Ept: epithet Vul: vulgarity Obs: obscenity

From the table above, it can be seen that all category of taboo language based on the theory of Batistella is found in the study. There are four types of taboo words, i.e obscenity, profanity, vulgarity and epithet. All of them appear in

the conversations spoken by the characters in the movie. From the table above, it can be noticed that the most dominant type used by the characters is epithet, which appears 35 times. Then, the second highest frequency is obscenity which appears 34 times and vulgarity which appear 32 times .Finally, the least to occur is profanity which appears 7 times.

a. Epithet

Batistella (2005: 72) epithet includes a variety of slurs that are connected to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, one's appearance, and disabilities such as b**ch, f*gg*t, n*gg*r, m*dg*t, r*t*rd, motherf**ker, tit-man and son of a b**ch. Epithet can occur because the one who utters the word is motivated by frustration or anger. According to jay (1996) epithet is expletives – emotional words that are in the form of interjections, and that is not directed to anyone specifically, but is used by speakers to release frustration and emotion. Jay also stated that epithet is radical slurs

– verbal attacks on other people by denoting the physical, mental or psychological qualities of the victims, e.g. coconut head (for unintelligent person), monkey (for ugly person). Jay (in Doyle 2006: 2-3) defines epithet as a short but strong blast of passionate language which is stated that epithet is personal name. Culpaper (1996: 355) called apithet as call the other name.

Epithet becomes the highest type of taboo language appearing in internet meme. It occurs 35 times and gets the percentage of 32.40%. Epithet includes a variety of slurs that are connected to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, one's appearance, and disabilities such as b**ch, f*gg*t, n*gg*r, m*dg*t, r*t*rd, motherf**ker, tit-man and son of a b**ch. Epithet can occur because the one who use the word is motivated by frustration or anger. Therefore, he or she will use emotional language by use the taboo words which aimed at another person. In internet meme, epithet is shown in words like motherf**er and B**ch t*ts which characterize the use of sexuality term.

b. Obscenity

Batistella (2005: 72) obscenity is defined as words or expression which involves sex differentiating anatomy or sexual and excretory function that usually uttered in rough manner. The words that belong to this type are f**k, s**t and a*us. According to jay (1999: 25) obscenity is words or expressions that are prohibited from public use because it is considered as lack of morality since they mention sexual activity and excretory functions which can generate disgust. Taboo words that belong to this type are fuck and shit. Jay (1992) all obscene language is taboo because these expression are restricted from the public use (television censored, etc.)

Apte (1994) obscene words, i.e. words referring to sexual organs and acts, four-lettered words, which are only acceptable in English, with example of

acceptable English obscenities being words such as “cunt”, “fuck”, “shit”, and “cock”, such words only having four letters in their spellings. Obscenity refers to expressions that are prohibited from public use since they involve repulsion to the sense, abhorrent, impolite and detestable to morality (Jay, in Doyle, 2009: 1).

Obscenity becomes the second highest type found in internet meme. Obscenity is described as a term which characterized sex differentiating anatomy or sexual and excretory function in a crude way such as f**k and s**t. Obscenity and vulgarity have the same reference but both are different. The distinction between vulgarity and obscenity is related to the level of prurience. Obscenity is believed to be prohibited from public use since they involve repulsion to the sense, abhorrent, impolite and detestable to morality.

c. Vulgarity

Vulgarity and obscenity have the same reference especially to words or expressions that contain sexual anatomy and excretory function in a rough manner. (Batistella, 2005: 72). The difference between vulgarity and obscenity is usually related to the level of prurience. In other words, vulgarity demonstrates the raw expression of street language (Jay,

in Doyle, 2009: 1). Some of the words that belong to the type of vulgarity are t*t, c**k, d**k, c**t, b**t, a*s. Jay (1996) said vulgarity as vulgarism

– crude or raw expressions which are regarded as distasteful and offensive. They are used to devalue the thing or individual referred to or described.

In other words, vulgarity demonstrates the raw expression of street language (Jay, in Doyle, 2009: 1). Moreover, Jay (in Mercury, 1995: 30) asserts that vulgarity is used to humiliate or bring down the thing or individual referred to or described. Qanbar (2011) vulgarity is a words or terms referring to the private organs of the human body and their functions, and body effluvia (snot, faeces, menstrual fluid, etc). Apte (1949) said vulgarity is dirty words, i.e. words that refer to sexual organs, acts and scatological substances (menstruation, urine, faeces, spittle).

Vulgarity refers to words or expressions that contain sexual anatomy and excretory function in a rough manner such as a*s, t*t, c**k, d**k, and c**t. Vulgarity is believed to demonstrate the raw expression of street language. Therefore the use of vulgar language is usually to humiliate or bring down the thing or individual referred to. In the findings, the researcher finds 32 vulgar words that occur in internet meme.

d. Profanity

According to Batistella (2005: 72), profanity can be categorized as religious cursing because it usually includes the foul-mouthed use of what is considered to be sacred. The aim of the speaker is not to vilify God or anything connected with religion but it may be used to express emotional response to certain motives. The words that belong to this type are J*s*s Chr*st, h**l, d**n, godd**n. Jay (1996) Profanity is the use of religious expressions and terminology in an unrespectable manner.

Stainer (1975) said that profanity is names of gods. Oyetade’s

(1994) profanity is taboo for averting ominous consequences which

emanate from people’s belief system. Qanbar (2011) profanity is words or terms referring to religion (blasphemy) or words against religious figures and symbols. Doyle (2006: 2-3) describes profanity as the expression involving the use of religious terms in a profane, secular or uncaring

manner. The aim of the speaker is not to vilify God or anything connected with religion but it may be used to express emotional response to certain motives.

Profanity is the lowest types of taboo language that appear in internet meme. In internet meme, profanity appears 7 times with the percentage of 6.48%. Profanity occurs when someone is using religious terminology in a profane, secular, or uncaring manner such as J*s*s, Christ, h**l, d**n, and Godd**n. Although the terminology is used with those manners, but the intention of the speaker is not actually to denigrate God or anything associated with religion. The intention of the speaker is actually to express an emotional reaction to certain stimuli. In internet meme, the most common profanity used as the caption in meme is d**n and Godd**n.

2.EFL learners’ Comprehension of English Taboo wORDS in internet meme.

The second finding is about EFL learners understanding about taboo language in internet meme. The researcher asked 50 EFL learners included teachers and students from university to participate and filled the questionnaire. The researcher got the result as follow:

The chart shows that most of EFL learners write that they did not know about the meme (46.00%), answer that the meme is impolite (29.8%), the answer that the word is rude (10.20%), answer that the meme is disgusting (7.70%), And the last the answer that the meme is not good to

46,00%

29,8%

10,20%

7,70% _6,30%

4.20%

I do not know about this

meme

This meme is impolite

The word is rude

The meme is disgusting

The meme is not good to

be seen

refuse to answer

Chart 1. EFL Learners' Answer

be seen (6.30%). There are some reasons behind answer, and the writer make the category of the EFL learners’ answer as follow:

a. I do not know about the meme.

Mostly of EFL learners’ answer showed that they did not

understand about the meme. This answer increases the percentage 46.00% all at once as the highest answer of the EFL learners. This answered is

followed by some reasons such as: ”I never see the meme” appear 35 times

(7.30%), “I do not know the words” (9.40%), “I confuse to answer” appear

40 times (8.40%), and most of students choose to blank the answer sheet as the way to express that they do not understand about the meme (14.40%).

b. The meme is impolite

The second highest percentage is the answer “the meme is impolite” that get the percentage 29.80%. There are so many reasons behind this answer such “ the meme is vulgar (5.40%), “the meme contain porn” (3.75%), “not good to share” (6.1%), “not allowed to be read

(2.90%), “the word is not good” (11, 72%).

7,30% 9,40% _6,50% 8,40%

14,40%

I never see the meme

I do not know the words

it is not important

I confuse to answer

blank the answer

Chart 2. EFL Learners' Reasons

5,40%

3,75%

6,1%

2,90%

11,70%

The picture is vulgar

Meme contains porn

Not good to be shared

Not allowed to be read

The word is not good

Chart 3. EFL Learners' Reason

c. The word is rude

This answer get the percentage 10.20%, there are some reasons

behind this answer such as, “it can make heartache” (3.54%), “too straight to do point” (2.70%), “too hurt for someone’s feeling” (3.96%).

d. The meme is disgusting

This answer get the percentage 7.7% with the reasons such as,

“there are so many vulgar words” increase 2.50%, “the picture is too vulgar” increase 3.10%, and the last “the meme could not be shared”

increase 2.1%.

e. The meme is not good to be seen 3,54%

2,7

3,96

Can make heartache

Too straight to do point

too hurt for someone's feeling

Chart 3. EFL Learners' reason

2,50%

3,10%

2,1%

There are so many vulgar word

The picture is too vulgar

The meme couldn’t be

shared

Chart 4. EFL Learners' Reasons

1.50%

1.90%

1.00%

1.90%

will be bad for children if they see it

Make the reader influenced

Meme teach bad things

Meme caused negative effect for

society

Chart 6. EFL Learners' Reason

This answer increase the percentage 6.30% with the reasons such

as, “will be bad for children if they see it” increase 1.50%, “make the reader influenced” increase 1.90%, “meme teach bad things” increase

1.00%, and the last “meme caused negative effect for society” increase 1.90%.

f. Refuse to Answer

This answer increase the percentage 4.20% with the reasons such as, “I don’t care” increase 1.20%, “I don’t want to see it” 1.40%, “it’s not my business” 1.60%.

B. Discussion

Batistella (2005) divided the types of taboo language in four categories; there are profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, and epithet. Based on those data, the writer found all the categories of taboo language in internet meme.

1. Epithet

This meme is a picture of “Syndrome”, he is an antagonist character from Incredible movie. The caption “you, dense motherfucker” with angry expression of syndrome and the use word “dense” clarify the

word “motherfucker”. This meme can be used to express the annoyance to

someone.

1,20% 1,40%

1,60%

I don’t care I don’t want to see it

it's not my bussines

Epithet becomes the highest type of taboo language appearing in internet meme. It occurs 35 times and gets the percentage of 32.40%. Epithet includes a variety of slurs that are connected to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, one's appearance, and disabilities such as b**ch, f*gg*t, n*gg*r, m*dg*t, r*t*rd, motherf**ker, tit-man and son of a b**ch. Epithet can occur because the one who use the word is motivated by frustration or anger. Therefore, he or she will use emotional language by use the taboo words which aimed at another person. In internet meme, epithet is shown in words like motherf**er and B**ch t*ts which characterize the use of sexuality term.

2. Obscenity

This meme belong to the type of obscenity, because it is characterized sexual activity. This meme shows the picture of an old lady seeing the computer with shock and confuse expression about what she

found in the computer. With the caption “oh shit, is that my granddaughter?, fucking slut..”. The word “shit” use to express her

shocking towards the fact of her granddaughter that she found in the

computer. The word “fucking slut” use to express her annoyed towards her

granddaughter after knowing something about her granddaughter. This

picture is a photo credit with the title “grandma finds the internet” taken on 21 December 2005. However, in this meme the sentence “fuck slut” does not actually mean “to have sexual intercourse” but it is used to intensify the sentence “oh shit, is that my granddaughter?”.

3. Vulgarity

This meme is showing the picture of legendary meme figure called

“Rich Baby”. This meme uses the caption “when you suck your mom’s tit with your dick”. There are two vulgar words in this meme “tit” and “dick”,

the expression of the baby is describe satisfied and proud expression because he can do something successfully. Vulgarity refers to words or expressions that contain sexual anatomy and excretory function in a rough manner such as a*s, t*t, c**k, d**k, and c**t. Vulgarity is believed to demonstrate the raw expression of street language. Therefore the use of vulgar language is usually to humiliate or bring down the thing or individual referred to. In the findings, the researcher finds 32 vulgar words that occur in internet meme.

4. Profanity

There is a picture of Jesus in meme with the caption “Jesus says

you’re an idiot”. The word “Jesus” in meme is used to make the word “idiot” stronger for people who read the meme. The intention of the

speaker is not to denigrate God or anything associated with religion but may be rather to express emotional reactions towards certain stimuli.

Profanity is the lowest types of taboo language that appear in internet meme. In internet meme, profanity appears 7 times with the percentage of 6.48%. Profanity occurs when someone is using religious terminology in a profane, secular, or uncaring manner such as J*s*s,

Christ, h**l, d**n, and Godd**n. Although the terminology is used with those manners, but the intention of the speaker is not actually to denigrate God or anything associated with religion. The intention of the speaker is actually to express an emotional reaction to certain stimuli. In internet meme, the most common profanity used as the caption in meme is d**n and Godd**n.

The second finding the writer found that most of EFL learners did not know about taboo language in internet meme, this assumption taken from the fact that 46.00% of EFL learners answer that they did not know about the meme with some reasons. From the finding above, the writer assume that EFL learners had almost no experience in taboo language. Most of them were familiar with the word but did not know the meaning of the word. They found many taboo languages in their daily activity, such as from movies, songs, book, television, and also internet meme that has been a viral in online but they do not realize about that.

The writer assumes that it cause taboo language do not teach in class, the teacher teaches only Standard English in the English classroom. People think that taboo words should not be allowed to be taught in the English classroom because it is rude and inappropriate especially teacher and older. Taboo words are used in many form not only used to insult or abuse. In some situations, we use taboo words in adverbs to clarify the picture. For example, Jeffry eats too fucking much. It means that he eats a lot more than human being eaten. In the present, taboo words are used more openly, publicly and with more confidence than ever before (Hoster, 2005). Another case, teachers do not often teach taboo words in the English classroom because teachers are not familiar to taboo words for the reason that they are not native speakers.

Therefore, Crooks (2006: 214) points out that it is important to teach taboo language to students because most learners do not have the knowledge to discriminate between the relative strength of different aspects of this type of language. Hence, this linguistic area should be addressed as a collective whole, instead of trying to deny the existence of more offensive words. Crooks (2006: 212) argues that there is a right time and place for addressing taboos and taboo

language in the classroom. It is, however, problematic as they are still largely avoided due to their controversial nature, and teachers and parents object to teaching them to their students. Some teachers might feel embarrassed or inhibited in mentioning taboos or using taboo language in the classroom, as Claire (1998: 5) perspective.

The age or gender of students might also make teachers unwilling to use taboos or taboo language in the classroom. For instance, it might be awkward for a teacher to address sex-related issues to younger students, or students of the opposite sex or different ethnicity. Even though teachers might feel inhibited to use taboo language, Mercury (1995:29), nevertheless, argues that taboo language is an essential part of contemporary communication and should therefore be included in teaching.

Comparing to result of previous study, the writer found similarity and difference with research that conducted by Anggita (2005), Febrianuswantoro and Iragiliati (2003) and Burduli (2010).

Anggita (2005) the researcher investigated taboo words uttered by the characters in Bad Teacher movie using sociolinguistic approach. The similarity of this study with the current study is on analyzing the type of taboo language based on the theory of Batistella (2005) but this study not analyze about the EFL

learners’ understanding of taboo language but analyzing the function of taboo

language uttered by the characters of “Bad Teacher” movie. Meanwhile the current study analyzes the type of taboo language in internet meme, and internet meme is very popular and become a viral in social media.

Febrianuswantoro and Iragiliati (2003) the research was aimed at identifying taboo word or linguistic taboo which is defined as any word that are generally related to sexual organs, the supernatural, excretion, religious matters, and death. The data of this study were taken from Conviction movie and analyzed based on theory of impoliteness, taboo words and face work, but this study only analyzed the type of taboo language and this current study analyzed the EFL

lerarners’ understanding of taboo language.

Burduli (2010) conducted the research about students’ acknowledgement

had a general knowledge about taboo words, taboo expressions; if they knew its meaning, usage, how much do they understand English taboos and how frequently they used them. This study analyze the student’s understanding of taboo language but this study used the students from junior high school and this current study used the students of English from the university and the teacher of English. The difference is this study only analyzed about the students’ understanding of taboo language and this current study analyzed the type of taboo language based on the theory of Batistella (2005) and taken the data from internet meme that is very popular these days.

This Chapter reports and discusses the research findings. The next Chapter presents conclusion, pedagogical, and suggestion.

This answer increase the percentage 6.30% with the reasons such

as, “will be bad for children if they see it” increase 1.50%, “make the reader influenced” increase 1.90%, “meme teach bad things” increase

1.00%, and the last “meme caused negative effect for society” increase 1.90%.

f. Refuse to Answer

This answer increase the percentage 4.20% with the reasons such as, “I don’t care” increase 1.20%, “I don’t want to see it” 1.40%, “it’s not my business” 1.60%.

B. Discussion

Batistella (2005) divided the types of taboo language in four categories; there are profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, and epithet. Based on those data, the writer found all the categories of taboo language in internet meme.

1. Epithet

This meme is a picture of “Syndrome”, he is an antagonist character from Incredible movie. The caption “you, dense motherfucker” with angry expression of syndrome and the use word “dense” clarify the

word “motherfucker”. This meme can be used to express the annoyance to

someone.

1,20% 1,40%

1,60%

I don’t care I don’t want to see it

it's not my bussines

Epithet becomes the highest type of taboo language appearing in internet meme. It occurs 35 times and gets the percentage of 32.40%. Epithet includes a variety of slurs that are connected to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, one's appearance, and disabilities such as b**ch, f*gg*t, n*gg*r, m*dg*t, r*t*rd, motherf**ker, tit-man and son of a b**ch. Epithet can occur because the one who use the word is motivated by frustration or anger. Therefore, he or she will use emotional language by use the taboo words which aimed at another person. In internet meme, epithet is shown in words like motherf**er and B**ch t*ts which characterize the use of sexuality term.

2. Obscenity

This meme belong to the type of obscenity, because it is characterized sexual activity. This meme shows the picture of an old lady seeing the computer with shock and confuse expression about what she

found in the computer. With the caption “oh shit, is that my granddaughter?, fucking slut..”. The word “shit” use to express her

shocking towards the fact of her granddaughter that she found in the

computer. The word “fucking slut” use to express her annoyed towards her

granddaughter after knowing something about her granddaughter. This

picture is a photo credit with the title “grandma finds the internet” taken on 21 December 2005. However, in this meme the sentence “fuck slut” does not actually mean “to have sexual intercourse” but it is used to intensify the sentence “oh shit, is that my granddaughter?”.

3. Vulgarity

This meme is showing the picture of legendary meme figure called

“Rich Baby”. This meme uses the caption “when you suck your mom’s tit with your dick”. There are two vulgar words in this meme “tit” and “dick”,

the expression of the baby is describe satisfied and proud expression because he can do something successfully. Vulgarity refers to words or expressions that contain sexual anatomy and excretory function in a rough manner such as a*s, t*t, c**k, d**k, and c**t. Vulgarity is believed to demonstrate the raw expression of street language. Therefore the use of vulgar language is usually to humiliate or bring down the thing or individual referred to. In the findings, the researcher finds 32 vulgar words that occur in internet meme.

4. Profanity

There is a picture of Jesus in meme with the caption “Jesus says

you’re an idiot”. The word “Jesus” in meme is used to make the word “idiot” stronger for people who read the meme. The intention of the

speaker is not to denigrate God or anything associated with religion but may be rather to express emotional reactions towards certain stimuli.

Profanity is the lowest types of taboo language that appear in internet meme. In internet meme, profanity appears 7 times with the percentage of 6.48%. Profanity occurs when someone is using religious terminology in a profane, secular, or uncaring manner such as J*s*s,

Christ, h**l, d**n, and Godd**n. Although the terminology is used with those manners, but the intention of the speaker is not actually to denigrate God or anything associated with religion. The intention of the speaker is actually to express an emotional reaction to certain stimuli. In internet meme, the most common profanity used as the caption in meme is d**n and Godd**n.

The second finding the writer found that most of EFL learners did not know about taboo language in internet meme, this assumption taken from the fact that 46.00% of EFL learners answer that they did not know about the meme with some reasons. From the finding above, the writer assume that EFL learners had almost no experience in taboo language. Most of them were familiar with the word but did not know the meaning of the word. They found many taboo languages in their daily activity, such as from movies, songs, book, television, and also internet meme that has been a viral in online but they do not realize about that.

The writer assumes that it cause taboo language do not teach in class, the teacher teaches only Standard English in the English classroom. People think that taboo words should not be allowed to be taught in the English classroom because it is rude and inappropriate especially teacher and older. Taboo words are used in many form not only used to insult or abuse. In some situations, we use taboo words in adverbs to clarify the picture. For example, Jeffry eats too fucking much. It means that he eats a lot more than human being eaten. In the present, taboo words are used more openly, publicly and with more confidence than ever before (Hoster, 2005). Another case, teachers do not often teach taboo words in the English classroom because teachers are not familiar to taboo words for the reason that they are not native speakers.

Therefore, Crooks (2006: 214) points out that it is important to teach taboo language to students because most learners do not have the knowledge to discriminate between the relative strength of different aspects of this type of language. Hence, this linguistic area should be addressed as a collective whole, instead of trying to deny the existence of more offensive words. Crooks (2006: 212) argues that there is a right time and place for addressing taboos and taboo

language in the classroom. It is, however, problematic as they are still largely avoided due to their controversial nature, and teachers and parents object to teaching them to their students. Some teachers might feel embarrassed or inhibited in mentioning taboos or using taboo language in the classroom, as Claire (1998: 5) perspective.

The age or gender of students might also make teachers unwilling to use taboos or taboo language in the classroom. For instance, it might be awkward for a teacher to address sex-related issues to younger students, or students of the opposite sex or different ethnicity. Even though teachers might feel inhibited to use taboo language, Mercury (1995:29), nevertheless, argues that taboo language is an essential part of contemporary communication and should therefore be included in teaching.

Comparing to result of previous study, the writer found similarity and difference with research that conducted by Anggita (2005), Febrianuswantoro and Iragiliati (2003) and Burduli (2010).

Anggita (2005) the researcher investigated taboo words uttered by the characters in Bad Teacher movie using sociolinguistic approach. The similarity of this study with the current study is on analyzing the type of taboo language based on the theory of Batistella (2005) but this study not analyze about the EFL

learners’ understanding of taboo language but analyzing the function of taboo

language uttered by the characters of “Bad Teacher” movie. Meanwhile the current study analyzes the type of taboo language in internet meme, and internet meme is very popular and become a viral in social media.

Febrianuswantoro and Iragiliati (2003) the research was aimed at identifying taboo word or linguistic taboo which is defined as any word that are generally related to sexual organs, the supernatural, excretion, religious matters, and death. The data of this study were taken from Conviction movie and analyzed based on theory of impoliteness, taboo words and face work, but this study only analyzed the type of taboo language and this current study analyzed the EFL

lerarners’ understanding of taboo language.

Burduli (2010) conducted the research about students’ acknowledgement

had a general knowledge about taboo words, taboo expressions; if they knew its meaning, usage, how much do they understand English taboos and how frequently they used them. This study analyze the student’s understanding of taboo language but this study used the students from junior high school and this current study used the students of English from the university and the teacher of English. The difference is this study only analyzed about the students’ understanding of taboo language and this current study analyzed the type of taboo language based on the theory of Batistella (2005) and taken the data from internet meme that is very popular these days.

This Chapter reports and discusses the research findings. The next Chapter presents conclusion, pedagogical, and suggestion.