Author(s): Jinky V. Mangad, Brenda B. Lumines, Gila Mica A. Paguel

Abstract: Swear words have become a regular part of everyday life. This qualitative descriptive study focused on exploring the use of swear words among the pre-service teachers of Kalinga State University for the school year 2021-2022. The study used a semi-structured interview administered through google form then probing through calls and in-person interview was also done in gathering and validating responses. Results showed that swear words used by the respondents range from body function types, imbecilic terms, sex, excretion, mother-in-law, death, and animal terms. It was also found that the respondents’ swear word use is influenced by the environment and social media. Respondents also claimed that expressing oneself through cuss words reflects one’s ethnic identity and culture; hence should be avoided, especially since the respondents are pre-service teachers. Swear words are considered as paniyaw which means it is against the will of the Supreme Being. The pre-service teachers manifest their strong belief and practice of the paniyaw, one of Kalinga’s core values. This leads them to live a life founded on moral values, serving as their guide to avoid uttering swear words. The researchers recommend that the Kalinga core values of paniyaw, ngilin and bain should be continuously reinforced within the youth, and further studies in exploring cuss words and their effects in culture and ethnic identity within other age groups in Cordillera should be undertaken.

Keywords: swear words, paniyaw, pre-service teachers, culture, identity

Article Info: Received: 22 Nov 2022; Received in revised form: 19 Dec 2022; Accepted: 25 Dec 2022; Available online: 31 Dec 2022

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.76.51