Między sztucznością a wulgarnością. O szkodliwych skutkach tabuizacji słownictwa intymnego wskazanych w badaniach ankietowych
Between Artificiality and Vulgarity. On the Harmful Effects of Tabooing Intimate Vocabulary as Indicated in Survey Research

Summary/Abstract: The article addresses the issue of the taboo surrounding the realm of human sexuality (not only linguistic) in Polish culture. Its main aim is to draw attention to the negative effects of tabooing certain areas of human life and the vocabulary that describes them. The first part presents contemporary views on the phenomenon of sexual taboo, using available scientific publications. The second part illustrates the threats and communication difficulties associated with the tabooing of intimate life. The perspectives of individuals who, in their professions, regularly discuss topics related to sex, health, and childbirth with Polish men and women are presented. A total of 142 specialists – doctors and lecturers, midwives, nurses, and paramedics – participated in an anonymous survey. The vast majority of respondents emphasized that in conversations with people who are not medically qualified, there is a significant communication barrier caused by the aforementioned linguistic taboo. The author believes that a broader discussion on this issue is necessary and specifies the areas that require a revision of current understandings.

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