The Use of Taboo Language in Tshivenḓa: Cultural Restrictions, Social Implications, and Changing Perspective

This study examines the use and perception of taboo language in Tshivenḓa-speaking communities, with a focus on how cultural norms, social expectations, and digital communication shape linguistic behaviour. The aim is to explore the social and generational dynamics influencing taboo expressions, particularly in the context of evolving communication norms brought about by modernisation and social media. Rooted in Sociolinguistic Theory, the research investigates how traditional restrictions coexist with emerging language practices that challenge established cultural values. A qualitative approach was adopted, involving ethnographic observations, semi-structured interviews, and social media discourse analysis. The 19 participants were purposively selected from the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify patterns related to cultural restrictions, generational shifts, and digital influences. Findings reveal that taboo language in Tshivenḓa continues to be regulated by cultural norms, especially in elder-dominated or formal contexts. However, younger and urban participants increasingly engage in the casual use of taboo expressions, driven largely by exposure to digital content and social media platforms. This generational divergence reflects a broader cultural transformation, where language becomes both a site of identity preservation and a tool for challenging traditional authority. The study concludes that taboo language serves a dual function in Tshivenḓa society: it reinforces communal values while simultaneously enabling individual expression. These insights have implications for language policy, cultural education, and digital literacy initiatives. Future research should examine these dynamics across other Bantu language communities to assess regional patterns.