While most of the more recent influential work on swearing has concentrated on English and
other languages from the Global North looking at forms and functions of swear words this
contribution redirects the necessary focus onto a sociolinguistics of swearing that puts
transgressive practices in non-Western languages into the focus. The transdisciplinary volume
contains innovative case studies that address swearing and cursing in parts of the world
characterized by consequences of colonialism and increasingly debated inequalities. Turning
away from more conventional and established methodologies and theoretical approaches the book
envisages to address transgressive linguistic practices performances and contexts in Africa
Asia America and Europe -including individuals' creativity subversive power and agency. Due
to its interdisciplinary and non-mainstream focus this volume is an essential addition to the
field of studies.
