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Riski Rahmayanti, Meristika Moetia (2024) An Analysis of Taboo Language in “Harry Potter” Move
By Jk Rowling, (06) 08,
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2684-883X
AN ANALYSIS OF TABOO LANGUAGE IN “HARRY POTTER” MOVE BY JK
ROWLING
Riski Rahmayanti, Meristika Moetia
Sekolah Tinggi Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Muhammadiyah Aceh Barat Daya, Indonesia
Abstract
Language has an important role in society, because language is a means for humans to
communicate with each other, through language speakers can identify themselves as they
understand their own language as a symbol. The language human use has meaning, meaning
plays a very important role in all fields and helps in the understanding of Language. The
researcher conducted this research to find out what types of taboo language are in the Harry
Potter movie and to find out what type of taboo language most often used in the Harry Potter
films. This research is descriptive qualitative research, data collection techniques by watching
it repeatedly, then the researcher transcribes all the taboo words contained in the Harry Potter
movie, then the researcher groups the taboo words according to Steven Pinker (2017). There
are 4 types of taboo language namely: profanity, sexual language, regious taboo, and taboo
word in socity. There are 9 taboo language in the Harry Potter movie. From the results above,
the use of taboo words in the Harry Potter movie not only reflects the nature of the characters
but also expresses feelings of anger, surprise and annoyance which aims to create character
depth and a more realistic atmosphere.
Keywords: Language, taboo, harry potter movie
INTRODUCTION
Language has an important role in society, because language is a means for humans to
communicate with one another, through language speakers can identify themselves as they
understand their own language as a symbol. The language we use has meaning, meaning
plays a very important role in all fields and helps in the understanding of Language. Suyanto,
(2018) the study of everyday language with society is called sociolinguistics. Sociolinguistics
is the part of linguistics that is concerned with language as a social and cultural phenomenon
and how language functions in communication.
Linguistics is a science that studies the function, structure and variations of language in
its various aspects. This science includes the analysis of phonology, morphology, syntax,
semantics, and pragmatics in an effort to understand the way language is used by humans.
Hardini & Sitohang, (2019) also believes that linguistics also seeks to understand how
language is used in communication, both spoken and written, as well as how language is used
by individuals and language communities in everyday life. By studying language, linguistics
makes an important contribution to human understanding of the complex aspects of language
as a dominant means of communication in social and cultural life.
Previous research conducted by Christie, (2013) said I also argue that approaching
taboo language from a discursive pragmatic perspective, by interrogating the contextual
JOURNAL SYNTAX IDEA
p–ISSN: 2723-4339 e-ISSN: 2548-1398
Vol. 6, No. 08, Agustus 2024
An Analysis of Taboo Language in “Harry Potter” Move By Jk Rowling
Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 08, Agustus 2024 3409
assumptions that are needed to make sense of interpretations of specific uses of swearwords,
the active assignment of indexical values to swearwords is brought into view.
Therefore, in sociolinguistics language is seen as a social phenomenon that can reflect,
influence, and be shaped by the social structure of society. Various social factors such as
ethnicity, social class, gender and social status can influence language use in society. (Coates,
2021; Juwita, Sunggingwati, & Valiantien, 2018) defines sociolinguistics as the study of
language use inherent in certain situations in society. Coates emphasizes the importance of
social context in learning language and how language use can differ in different situations.
Definition of Taboo Language
One branch of sociolinguistics is taboo language. Taboo language is something that is
prohibited and what is prohibited applies to the structure of social life. The word taboo
etymologically comes from the Polynesian language which means 'forbidden or avoided'
(Purbania, Rohmadi, & Setiawan, 2020). In this regard, the Anthropology Dictionary states
that "A prohibition which, if violated, automatically results in punishment due to magic and
religion." punishment due to the influence of magic and religion). (Winnick et al., 2022) in
Implementation the description of the taboo states that the punishment for violations is caused
by matters related to magic and religion (religion).
Types of taboo language
According to (Prastiawan & Ariatmi, 2019) there are 5 type of taboo language, namely:
1. Profanity:
Profanity is a term used to refer to harsh or immoral words that are considered
indecent or impolite in a society. This term is often used for words that contain insults,
curses, or harsh words that directly violate the norms of politeness that apply in society.
2. Sexual Language:
Sexual language is language or words related to sexuality or things related to sexual
relations. In general, the use of vulgar or abusive sexual language is considered
inappropriate in traditional societies that value norms of modesty and chastity.
3. Racial or Ethnic Slurs:
Racial or ethnic slurs are terms used to refer to words or phrases used to demean or
insult someone based on their race or ethnicity. The use of words or utterances that
contain racial or ethnic discrimination is considered to violate social norms and can trigger
social conflict or division in society.
4. Religious Taboo:
Religious taboo refers to prohibitions or taboos related to certain religions or beliefs.
For example, in the Islamic religion, the use of Allah's name in an inappropriate or
insulting context is considered a serious offense and can be considered religious
blasphemy.
5. Taboo Words in Society:
This includes language that is taboo in a particular society or culture due to factors
such as social norms, traditions, or beliefs. For example, certain words related to death,
disease, or bodily functions may be considered taboo in some cultures.
Based on the 5 types of taboo language above, research according to (Tompoh, Rattu, &
Ranuntu, 2022) analysis of taboo words in English and Shanghainese Siau dialect. The
meaning of this research is theoretically, it is hoped that this research can help and make it
easier for people who want to learn about taboo words in the Sangihe language, the Siau
dialect. The results of the research show that the taboo words found in the Sangihe language
of the Siau dialect are classified into eight types, namely gender, bodily functions, animals,
Riski Rahmayanti, Meristika Moetia
3410 Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 08, Agustus 2024
excretion, death, supernatural, cooking. (Tumeno, 2017) analyzed the findings of taboo
language in the film Bad Boys II. There are 103 taboo words and there are seven types of
taboo words, namely taboo words related to mother-in-law, animals, sex, death, excretion,
bodily functions and religion. (Lawalata, 2015) in the film Friends with Benefits Movie,
research results showed that there were 139 taboo words found in this film and grouped into
six types, namely gender, bodily functions, certain animal games, death, excretion, and
religion. (Hamberg, Robinson, Trant, Richardson, & Murphy, 2024) in the film Why Him?,
from research results found 46 taboo words and 5 types of taboo, indicating that the cause of
using taboo words is to express emotions, such as anger, joy and surprise, talking about sex,
joking and insulting.
One of the most popular films in the world is Harry Potter. Harry Potter movie are a
series of fantasy films based on the book series by J.K. Rowling with the same title. The story
in this film follows the adventures of an orphan named Harry Potter who discovers that he is a
wizard and must study at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This movie attracts
people's attention because of its amazing story and full of magic. The audience will be
transported to a magical world full of magical creatures, spells and magic. Apart from that,
this film also offers an exciting and captivating adventure that makes the audience unable to
stop watching it.
The reason the researcher chose this title for this research is because Harry Potter is one
of the most popular movie franchises in the world. Many people like this film, including
students like me who are writing the thesis. Therefore, choosing a title related to the Harry
Potter movie might make this thesis interesting for readers and other researchers.
The aim of the researcher is to find out what types of taboo language are in the Harry
Potter and the deathly hallows part 2 2011 movie and to find out what words are most often
used in the Harry Potter films.
RESEARCH METHOD
In this research, the type of research used is qualitative with a descriptive approach.
According to (Wa-Mbaleka, 2017), descriptive qualitative research is a research method that
produces detailed descriptions of a phenomenon, event, or behavior. Researchers in this study
seek to understand the meaning contained in this phenomenon through in-depth data
collection, such as interviews, observations, or document analysis. The data in this research
are taboo words. The researcher chose the Harry Potter and the deathly hallows part 2 2011
movie as the research subject, which consisted of all the main character. The researcher used
a purposive sampling method because the researcher chose the Harry Potter movie, meet the
purpose of the study. According to (Creswell & Creswell, 2017) purposive sampling
technique is a technique for sampling data sources with certain considerations. Data was
obtained from the Harry Potter movie as they communicated with younger people, the same
age and older people. The data collection technique was carried out by watching it repeatedly,
then the researcher transcript all the taboo words contained in the Harry Potter movie, then the
researcher grouped the taboo words according to the type of (Pinker, 2017). The data analysis
technique used is thematic analysis. According to Terry, Hayfield, Clarke, & Braun, (2017),
thematic analysis involves systematic steps to identify the main themes that emerge from the
data, organize these themes into a meaningful conceptual framework, and prepare a report that
describes the findings well. After data analysis and then researcher will describe all data in the
result and discussion.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
An Analysis of Taboo Language in “Harry Potter” Move By Jk Rowling
Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 08, Agustus 2024 3411
The following is a data analysis of taboo language in the name of Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows Part 2 that are 5 type of taboo language that’s follow:
1. Profanity
Profanity is a term used to refer to harsh or immoral words that are considered
indecent or impolite in a society. This term is often used for words that contain insults,
curses, or harsh words that directly violate the norms of politeness that apply in society.
RW: that’s “unfortunate”
EW: we can’t just stand here, you get any idea?
2. Unfortunate
The word unfortunate is called a taboo word because it has a negative influence that
can harm other people and disrupt their lives. The word unlucky contains the meaning of
disaster or bad luck which is considered to bring bad luck. The use of the word unlucky is
often seen as a form of verbal aggression that can hurt other people's feelings and damage
interpersonal relationships.
3. Sexual Language
Sexual language is language or words related to sexuality or things related to sexual
relations. In general, the use of vulgar or abusive sexual language is considered
inappropriate in traditional societies that value norms of modesty and chastity.
MW: Not my daughter you “bitch”
BL: HA HA HA
4. Bitch
The word bitch is considered taboo language because it has negative connotations
that demean women's dignity. The word is often used to refer to women who behave in an
immodest, immoral or sexually promiscuous manner. Therefore, the word "bitch" is
usually avoided in polite conversation and chooses to use other words that are more neutral
and not derogatory.
5. Racial or Ethnic Slurs
Racial or ethnic slurs are terms used to refer to words or phrases used to demean or
insult someone based on their race or ethnicity. The use of words or utterances that
contain racial or ethnic discrimination is considered to violate social norms and can trigger
social conflict or division in society.
Researchers have examined that there are no taboo words regarding racial and ethnic
insults in the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011). This shows the
filmmakers' commitment to maintaining an inclusive narrative and avoiding content that
could be considered discriminatory or offensive towards certain racial and ethnic groups.
The absence of taboo words that offend racially and ethnically, the film can be enjoyed by
a wide audience without sparking unwanted controversy.
6. Religious Taboo
Religious taboo refers to prohibitions or taboos related to certain religions or beliefs.
For example, in the Islamic religion, the use of Allah's name in an inappropriate or
insulting context is considered a serious offense and can be considered religious
blasphemy.
Riski Rahmayanti, Meristika Moetia
3412 Syntax Idea, Vol. 6, No. 08, Agustus 2024
HR: He’s lied to many people
TR: I know what he’s done! I know who he is! He defiled it, with “dark magic”
7. Dark magic
Dark magic is often associated with evil intentions, such as harming other people or
gaining profits in unethical ways. This practice can cause physical, mental and emotional
harm to victims. Most condemn the practice of dark magic because it goes against the
teachings of the religion. Dark magic is often associated with evil forces and is considered
an action that goes against the will of the expert. Therefore black
8. Taboo Words in Society
This includes language that is taboo in a particular society or culture due to factors
such as social norms, traditions, or beliefs. For example, certain words related to death,
disease, or bodily functions may be considered taboo in some cultures.
EW: Hey, thieves
RW: deceitful “goblin”, we’ve still got bogrod.
9. Goblin
The word goblin refers to a mythological creature that is considered evil and scary.
Use of this word could be considered offensive or derogatory if used to refer to someone.
People avoid using the word goblin because it can hurt other people's feelings which is
considered taboo.
After analyzing the data by watching the movie and then researcher transcript into the
results that the researchers got were that there were 4 types of taboo language namely
profanity, sexual language, religious taboo, taboo words in society and then research also
examined that there was 1 type of taboo language that was not found in the dialogue of the
Harry Potter movie such us racial or ethnic slurs type.
CONCLUSSION
After carrying out analysis identification of taboo words in the movie of Harry Potter
and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, the researcher concluded there are only 4 types of taboo
language in the movie of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. In 5 types, there is 1
type of taboo language that is often used in the Harry Potter movie, namely religious type that
discussing about magic. From the research results, it was also found that 1 type of taboo
language was not occure in the Harry Potter movie dialogue, namely racial or ethnic slurs.
Type using Taboo language in the Harry Potter movie not only reflect the nature of the
characters but also express feelings of anger, surprise and annoyance which aim to create
depth characters and more realistic atmosphere. The taboo language used by antagonist
characters such as Voldemort reflects the nature of evil, showing social conflict and tension in
the world of wizarding.
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