英语新闻中的委婉语.pptVIP

Euphemism in Journalism English 新闻英语中的委婉语 Euphemism in the English Language 1. Definition of euphemism Eupphemism = eu + phemism = good speech good or well speech OR sweet talk gilded words 镀金字眼 cosmetic words 化妆字眼 An indirect word or phrase that people often use to refer to sth. embarrasing or unpleasant, sometimes to make it seem more acceptable than it really is. (Oxford dictionary) A euphemism is a generally innocuous （无害的）word or expression used in place of one that may be found offensive or suggest something unpleasant. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.) Functions Avoiding Taboo Showing Politeness Covering up the Truth 2. Functions of Euphemism in Journalism TO AVOID TABOOS Euphemism stems from language taboos, and avoiding taboos became the first communicative function of euphemism. Most part of taboo is about death, disease, racism, ageism, sex, nudity, excretion, religious superstition, etc. People try to avoid straightforwardness and prefer to use euphemisms to express a good impression for the listeners. TO AVOID TABOOS Examples die go to heaven be brought to one’s last home be gathered to one’s fathers be taken to paradise be promoted to glory depart to God go to meet one’s maker return to dust have fallen asleep in the Lord join the great majority kick the bucket... TO AVOID TABOOS On the 14th of March, at a quarter to three in the afternoon, the greatest living thinker ceased to think. He had been left alone for scarcely two minutes, and when we came back we found him in his armchair, peacefully gone to sleep but―forever. 恩格斯对马克思逝世的描述，委婉语运用的庄重、典雅、得体，抒发悲痛、哀悼之情。 TO AVOID TABOOS 怀孕 She is in an interesting condition. She is expecting. （她快生了） She is knocked up.（她有了） She has cancelled a ll her social engagement. She is knitting little bootees. 未婚先孕 She is in trouble.（她碰到了麻烦） She has been too friendly.（她过于友善） TO AVOID TABOOS old 年老 the elderly senior citizens the mature HIV AIDS Social Disease constipation(便秘) irregularity c