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1、A Comparative Study of English Euphemism and Chinese EuphemismAbstract: As a linguistic phenomenon, euphemism has its unique origination and formation, and abides by a certain development principle. Euphemism is also a cultural phenomenon at the same time, reflecting different convention, custom and
2、 social psychology in China and the western countries. This thesis falls into five chapters. Chapter one introduces the history of euphemisms in English and Chinese. Chapter two illustrates the relationship among language, culture and taboo. Chapter three states the definition of euphemism and the c
3、lassification of euphemisms. Chapter four explains the similarities and differences between English euphemism and Chinese euphemism and researches the reasons of discrepancy between English euphemism and Chinese euphemism from the angle of the language structure, usage and the culture. Chapter five
4、is a conclusion of all the findings and discoveries made in this thesis. Through the comparison of English euphemism and Chinese euphemism，we can see that euphemism is a linguistic and particularly, a social cultural phenomenon. Its generation and development are the outcome of various socio-psychol
5、ogical and pragmatic factors. Key Words: euphemism; comparative study; linguistic phenomenon; cultural phenomenon英汉委婉语对比研究英汉委婉语对比研究摘摘 要要：委婉语，作为一种语言现象，它有其独特的来源及构成方法，并遵循一定的发展规律。同时，它也是一种文化现象，折射出中西国家的不同风俗习惯和社会心理。本论文共分五部分，第一部分首先介绍了英汉委婉语的历史以及国内外的研究现状。第二部分谈到了语言、文化及禁忌语之间的关系。第三部分从语言学的角度对其定义、分类作了阐述。第四部分对英汉委婉语
6、进行了比较分析，说明该语言现象的一致性和差异性，并从委婉语的语言结构, 应用和文化方面探讨英汉委婉语相异的原因。第五部分对本论文进行总结。通过比较英汉委婉语的异同，得出委婉语既是一种语言现象，更是一种社会文化现象。它的形成和发展是各种社会心理因素和语用因素综合作用的结果。关键词：关键词：委婉语；对比研究；语言现象；文化现象CONTENTSIntroduction .11.History and Studies of Euphemisms in English and Chinese 11.1 A Brief History of Euphemisms in English and Chines
7、e1 1.1.1 The History of English Euphemisms.1 1.1.2 The History of Chinese Euphemisms 21.2 An Overview of Study of Euphemisms at Home and Abroad 2 1.2.1 Studies of Euphemisms in the Western Countries.2 1.2.2 Studies of Euphemisms in China.32. Language, Culture, Taboo and Euphemism.32.1 Language and E
8、uphemism32.2 Culture and Euphemism42.3 Taboo and Euphemism43. Definition and Classification of Euphemism.43.1 Definition of Euphemism 43.2 Classification of Euphemism.5 3.2.1 Positive Euphemism and Negative Euphemism6 3.2.2 Conscious Euphemism and Unconscious Euphemism6 3.2.3 Instantaneous Euphemism
9、 and Continuous Euphemism.6 3.2.4 Other Classifications of Euphemism .74. Comparison Between Chinese and English Euphemisms74.1 Similarities7 4.1.1 Using Vague Words or Expressions7 4.1.2 Using Substitutions8 4.1.3 Using Loan Words.8 4.1.4 Using Abbreviations and Omissions84.2 Differences10 4.2.1 Di
10、fferences in Form.10 4.2.2 Differences in Culture12 4.2.3 Differences in Usage145. Conclusion14Introduction In our daily life there are certain things that are not supposed to be speakable or mentioned directly. A fair number of words are labeled as frivolous, vulgar, or at least inconsiderate. But
11、in communication, for better maintaining social relationship and exchanging ideas, people have to resort to a kind of language, which can make distasteful ideas seem acceptable or even desirable. This type of language is defined as “euphemism” in linguistics and it comes in a variety of forms and is
12、 used for a variety of reasons. Euphemism is a mirror of morality, customs, politics, life style, social psychology, etc. Much research has been done on euphemism because of its prominence in language. A lot of great works came into being during the study of euphemism, which lay a foundation for fur
13、ther research. Thus, on the basis of others researches, this thesis attempts to do a comprehensive analysis of English euphemisms and Chinese euphemisms by comparatively analyzing their linguistic and cultural characteristics. 1. History and Studies of Euphemisms in English and Chinese1.1 A Brief Hi
14、story of Euphemisms in English and Chinese Euphemisms have probably come into being from the very beginning of language. It originated from language taboo. Taboo and euphemisms are closely related to each other. Almost all cultures seem to have some concepts or things that cannot be mentioned direct
15、ly because they are to be tabooed, so people use euphemisms to substitute taboo words. 1.1.1 The History of English Euphemisms English euphemisms have been surviving and thriving ever since ancient times. The subject of the earliest euphemisms was undoubtedly religious (Neaman and Silver, 1983:1). T
16、he emergence of euphemisms is closely related to the time background. The Anglo-Saxon era is the golden age of linguistic freedom and the source of non- euphemistic four-letter words, but great care was taken not to offend political or religious leaders or gods. After Norman Conquest in 1066, euphemisms began to thrive. Considering Anglo-Saxon words vulgar and obscene，Normans and the native upper circles borrowed “elegant” Latin words in place of Anglo-Saxon ones, gradual
