English Words Interpreted as Taboo in Arabic: A Pragmatic Study

Language reflects culture. Words according to that culture may load multi connotations depending on the socio-cultural context of the speech event. This study shows how English words can be interpreted as taboo in Arabic culture according to the pragmatic and socio-cultural elements that lead to this interpretation. This study illustrates how these words bring different meanings, may be considered as irrelevant, offensive, or even forbidden in Arabic regions, as well as proving that having a well understanding of the sociocultural and pragmatic norms make a safe communication. Furthermore, assuring the difference in sociolinguistic variables brings various attitudes about the acceptance of English words. Under the consideration of pragmatic analysis, this article checks the sociocultural variables, politeness norms and cultural sensitivity which surround these connotations. Data is collected from media discourse, interviews, and social media communications, enhanced by a descriptive analysis and some of rendering strategies and case study.