Linguistic Taboos in the Rungus Culture

Kimm Victoria, Jaffry and Yvonne Michelle, Campbell (2025) Linguistic Taboos in the Rungus Culture. Trends in Undergraduate Research, 8 (2). F1-16. ISSN 2637-093X

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Abstract

In this era of globalisation where intercultural communication occurs on a day-to-day basis, knowledge of linguistic taboos is crucial to avoid miscommunication and culture shocks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the categories and cultural context of the Rungus community’s linguistic taboos in relation to their indigenous worldview. This qualitative descriptive study involved interviews with 15 Rungus respondents from Kudat, Sabah. This study revealed five types of linguistic taboos namely morality-related, veneration-related, decorum-related, religion-related, and fear-related linguistic taboos. The cultural context of these linguistic taboos is based on the belief system where everything revolves around keeping the peace with fellow humans as well as the spirits. The cultural context can also be described using common elements in indigenous worldviews such as dynamic balance, kinships extending beyond the human realm, community, and reciprocity.

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