Abstract

PAIS, José Machado. From namings to representations: swear words in an interpretation inspired by H. Lefebvre. Etnográfica [online]. 2015, vol.19, n.2, pp.267-289. ISSN 0873-6561.

In acquiring the status of swear words, why do some words become prohibited or are only evoked through the mediation of allegories and metaphors suggested by other words? In order to answer this riddle, Lefebvre's theories of presence-absence are called on, addressing dimensions of analysis - the unconscious, imagination, culture - often disregarded when we swing between the representative and the represented, ignoring representation. In line with the regressive-progressive method, the analysis of swear words highlights the chaotic order of meanings which causes the riddle of representation to survive. Mediations between what is lived, perceived and conceived show us that behind the literal meaning of words and swear words we may find ample scope for social analysis.

Keywords : imagination; Lefebvre; language; swear words; representations; sexuality.

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