Communicative Function of English Euphemism【毕业论文】.doc

Communicative Function of English Euphemism Abstract A euphemism is a polite or more pleasant word or expression you use instead of a more direct one in order to avoid upsetting others. It is a common phenomenon while people using language, which is not only a social language phenomenon, but it is also a cultural phenomenon. Euphemistic expressions are indirect and have positive connotations. We all need to communicate in our daily life or in diplomacy. However, because of the difference of life habit or custom and the taboo of different culture, we must learn to use euphemism to avoid embarrassment or unhappiness. Therefore, through linguistic facet, this paper tries to research into communicative function of English Euphemism in certain language condition by special examples. Only when can we know how to make use of Euphemism in different background and environment, we can use the proper Euphemism to minimize hurt to people and to achieve the purpose of effective communicative Euphemism reflects all kinds of social mentality and social communicative function. Euphemism is also widely used in every field, so it is good for us to study English and do effective multi-cultural intercommunication. The word——euphemism is rooted in orthodxia, the prefix “eu-“ means well and the root “pheme” means speaking. According to the definition from lexicon of euphemism, euphemism is a figure of speech to use innocuous or euphonious words instead of those direct, offensive ones and cover the facts with benevolent utterance. As our society and human civilization develop, euphemism is following the entire process of spoken language communication in our society, it also reveals its communicative functions. Euphemism is widely used in all kinds of domains, so it is very helpful for us to learn English well and do well in intercultural communication through the knowledge of euphemism. Key words: euphemism; function; taboo; intercommunication 1. Communicative functions (1). avoiding tabo