ABSTRACT
This study examines the euphemistic expressions used in the Ẹdo language. It achieves this by explaining constructions with restricted usage and the socio-cultural contexts in which they are used. The theoretical framework adopted for this work is the SPEAKING Model constructed from the Ethnography of communication theory propounded by Dell Hymes’ (1972) to describe and analyze data.
The research is designed to identify the Euphemisms and taboo utterances that are evident among the Ẹdo people, what contextual factors determine taboo and euphemistic expressions and to also examine their communicative function. This work investigates some of the major varieties of Ẹdo taboo, i.e., death, disease, sex, etc.
This research made use of both primary and secondary data to support the interpretation of data. The source of the primary data collection involved a one on one interview with two competent native speakers between the ages of 40-45 years of age. The contexts of the data are the dialogue uttered by the Ẹdo people during conversations in avoiding taboo. The secondary data used consisted of data from articles such as (Ọmọrẹgbẹ, 2014).
The findings in this study reveal that euphemistic expression in the Ẹdo language is a way to forestall restricted usage and a way to communicate effectively and responsibly. Also, to an extent, the implication of the use of euphemism in Ẹdo language is used to hide the truth and legalize wrong behavior.
