<![CDATA[The use of swear words is a linguistic phenomenon that cannot be separated from the sociocultural context of the community of speakers. In Arab and Madurese societies, this linguistic practice is closely linked to notions of honor, social structure, and daily communication patterns, and thus cannot be understood merely as an emotional expression. This study focuses on a sociolinguistic analysis of the forms, functions, and social meanings of profanity use in two distinct cultural communities: Arab and Madurese societies. The primary objectives of this study are to describe the linguistic characteristics of swear words, analyze their sociocultural functions, identify community perceptions of these practices, and identify significant similarities and differences between the two cultures. This study employs a qualitative approach with a comparative study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using domain analysis and interpretive sociolinguistic techniques to uncover communication patterns and the underlying cultural values. The results indicate that swear words in both communities possess distinctive linguistic structures, with a dominant focus on family, honor, and masculinity. Socially, swear words function as expressions of emotion, status negotiation, affirmation of solidarity, and conflict resolution mechanisms. Although both cultures place honor as a central value, Arab communities tend to use swear words as a more metaphorical means of symbolic expression, whereas Madurese communities exhibit an ambivalent function between intimacy and the potential to trigger conflict. These findings confirm that swear words are a direct reflection of the cultural values and social dynamics of their speakers’ communities.]]>
