Epitaph in English: A sociolinguistic Analysis
Hanan Aymin Faeq AL-Shamani
University of Tikrit/ College of Education for Humanities
Ahmed Mohammed Salih
University of Tikrit/ College of Education for Humanities
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25130/Lang.8.8.21
Keywords: Epitaph, euphemistic expressions, morpho-syntactic structure
Abstract
The study examines the use of language in epitaphs from a sociolinguistic perspective. The current study aims to analyze the syntactic and morphological aspects of epitaphs in English beside examining the use of euphemistic expressions. The study Identifies social factors like gender, age, and status that influence the writing of epitaphs and how the deceased's role in life is portrayed. Finally, the study aims to explore the cultural values and beliefs about death and the afterlife reflected in English epitaphs. This genre has received little attention in studies. In order to achieve the aims of the study, the researcher proposes some hypotheses which are: (i) There are significant differences in the syntactic and morphological structures of English epitaphs. (ii) The use of euphemistic expressions expresses differently in English epitaphs. (iii) The social status, age and gender of the deceased are reflected in English epitaphs. (iv) Culture and religion influence the content of English epitaphs. The study analyzes 13 English epitaphs using qualitative research design. The key findings indicate differences in morpho-syntactic structure, with no gender markers used in English epitaphs . implicit euphemisms is found in English epitaphs. Social factors like gender, age, and status are more frequently reflected in English epitaph. There are differences in the linguistic cues used for male versus female epitaphs. The study provides insights into how language reflects cultural and societal norms in funeral rituals.
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