英汉委婉语的文化差异---毕业论文.docVIP

【标题】英汉委婉语的文化差异 【作者】李海燕 【关键词】委婉语；文化差异；对比 【指导老师】张海霞 【专业】英语 【正文】I. IntroductionEuphemism is a cultural phenomenon as well as a linguistic concept. Every language has its own euphemism. Since Euphemism was coined, it has played a very important role in people’s communication. The communication without euphemism is unimaginable. Euphemism is used like lubrication, which makes the communication go on smoothly. English euphemism as a linguistic concept, it has close relationships with the western culture, and it truly reflects the life and values of English people and their history, so does the Chinese euphemism. The comparative study of English and Chinese euphemism can help us understand the culture differences and promote the international development because euphemism is widely used in international communication.The word?“euphemism” comes from a Greek word,?“eu-” meaning?“good” and?“-pheme” meaning?“speech” or?“saying”, and thus its literary meaning is?“a good speech or good saying”.1 Later on, euphemism is defined differently and more precisely. Some of the definitions are listed below:（1） Euphemizing is generally defined as substituting an inoffensive or pleasant term for a more explicit, offensive one, thereby veneering the truth by using kind words.2（2） That figure of speech which consists in the substitution of a word or expression of comparatively favorable implication or less unpleasant associations, instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is intended.3（3） Word, etc. used in place of one avoided as e.g. offensive, indecent, or alarming.4The various definitions of euphemism presented by Chinese scholars are similar to those given by westerners. The Chinese equivalent for?“euphemism” is?“委婉”，“婉转”，or the most popular one?“婉曲” containing?“婉言” and?“曲语”;?“婉言” means?“substituting an implicit expression for an explicit one” while?“曲语” implies the original meaning through describing things relevant to it. C