Linguistic taboo in African marriage: a study of the Oromo 'laguu'

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Periodical article

Title:	Linguistic taboo in African marriage: a study of the Oromo 'laguu'
Author:	Mbaya, Maweja
Year:	2002
Periodical:	Journal of Humanities (ISSN 1016-0728)
Issue:	16
Pages:	55-67
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Ethiopia Africa
Subjects:	Oromo joking relationships popular beliefs sociolinguistics Oromo language language Social values linguistics Oromo (African people) Traditional culture marriage Taboo
External link:	https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jh/article/view/6297
Abstract:	This is a descriptive study of 'laguu' or 'lagacha', a linguistic taboo among the Oromo of Ethiopia which consists of avoiding mentioning the names of persons who are related by marriage. Instead of using their respective proper names and those of their in-laws, husband, wife and in-laws have recourse to euphemistic forms, most of which are coinings. The first part of the paper presents background information on the history, geography, cultural patterns and marriage system of the Oromo. The second part deals with the question of how and why to observe 'laguu'; the types of names that are avoided; their substitutes and how they are found; and finally the violation of the custom and subsequent sanctions. The paper is based on both written documents and information provided by academic Oromo informants. Bibliogr., notes. [ASC Leiden abstract] (Also published in: Nordic Journal of African Studies, vol. 11, no. 2 (2002), p. 224-235.)