委婉语及其翻译论文.docVIP

Abstract The usage of euphemism involved in every aspects of our daily life and social activities which have made it become a absorbing language phenomenon in English spoken world. This essay starts from the definition and origin of euphemism and gives a initial discussion of the categories, functions, regulations and translation methods of English euphemism to enhance the ability of understanding and communication of euphemism when it in practical translation uses. Key words: euphemism; communication; culture; translation 摘 要 委婉语使用的范围涉及社会及个人生活的方方面面,成为英语世界中一个引人注目的语言现象。本文从委婉语的定义和起源入手,对英语委婉语的分类、功能、规律及其翻译方法做了初步探讨,以期达到在实际翻译工作中加强对委婉语的理解和交流之目的。 关键词:委婉语;文化;交流;翻译 I. Introduction As a rhetorical device, Euphemism had been widely used during the Victorian period which is a fashion in the upper class at that time. And even nowadays the usage of euphemism has increased and brought some new changes, making people impact their eyes imappearance of sorts. For example, she is pregnant has different expression according to different ages. 1.She has canceled all her social engagement.(1856) 2.She is in an interesting condition.(1880) 3.She is in a delicate condition.(1895) 4. She is knitting little bootees.(1990) 5．She is in a family way.(1920)II. The Definition and Origination of Euphemism Through euphemism, we replace, override, and reinvent reality by the magic of language (Stein, 1998, p. 8). Euphemism is about how we humans devise deliberately slippery language to justify to ourself and to others, if not to impose on them, the degradation of categories of people, if not the literal extinction of their lives (Stein, 1998, p. 7). Euphemism is the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for an offensive or unpleasant one (Wilkes, 1979, p. 123). Euphemism is not a footnote but part of the main text of organizational life. It is the key to unlock the well-