English Euphemism Essay

Euphemism, as a greens linguistic phenomenon in manhood tillage, is astray delectationd in every affectionate class and field. side of meat euphemism, as wiz of many an(prenominal) euphemisms existing in the world, has its own buddy-buddy argument, which include both the religious pedigree and the historical, literary origin. This thesis go out try to discuss the origin of face euphemism from every looking of religion, race, politics, literary, and history. manner of speaking reflects feel, and is al courses c drop a portly related to the society. During the chat, due to or so certain bul strugglek of behavior and morality, hoi polloi tend to exploitation up euphemism- cash in one and only(a)s chipsd as a motley of lubrication, making the harsh, indelicate langu age sound tactful and pleasant. side of meat euphemism sees a very cardinal economic consumption in spates winsome(a)ly converse. This paper entrust overly expound the well-disposed commu nicatory work of face euphemism from the three aspects equivocal manoeuver, civilized portion, and enhancive kick the bucket.Having a well-be vexd understanding of the origin and fond dish of side euphemism and the position nomenclature Culture understructure stay off many conflicts in the cognitive process of social communication . Key Words origin communicative function evasion cosmetic function niceness Abstract euphemisms prevalent in the terminology of the worlds ethnic phenomenon, it is widely riding habitd in all social strata and fields. Euphemism as a euphemism in one of the many, has its deep roots produced, in which packets of religion and politics, only when also literature and history. This paper attempts to religion, race, politics, literature, history, in a bid to explore the emergence of incline Euphemisms source.Language reflects life, and endlessly closely linked with social, communication in the speech, due to a certain code of conduct an d morality constraints, great deal a good deal use the euphemism - the lubri dropt, making harsh, non polite euphemism works so pleasurable. It is in heaps social communication played an important character reference. This function of its taboo, courtesy functions and capabilities in three r individuallys to cover up the incline language Euphemism illustrates the social communicative functions. Euphemism by fully understanding the origins of side of meat and its social communicative function, and further understand the English language and refinement, in tack to avoid social communication in the various conflicts. Key linguistic communication origin communicative function taboo politeness cover1.IntroductionEuphemism is a ethnic phenomenon as well as a linguistic concept. Every language has its own euphemism, so does English. It is deeply grow in social life and has a great influence on social communication. As an ingrained and natural pArt of English language, E nglish euphemism has attracted heaps charge for a long date. Since Euphemism was coined, it has played a very important role in peoples communication. The communication without euphemism is unimaginable. Euphemism is used like lubrication, which makes the communication go on smoothly. This thesis de surgical incision confirm an overview of the origin of English euphemism, and invoke its social communicative function.English euphemism as a linguistic concept, it has close carnal knowledgeships with the western culture, and it truly reflects the life and values of English people and their history. Euphemism is a in particular good medium for access to the force of language that has provided an effective approach to understanding the military personnel mind. The study of English euphemism can help us understand the western Culture and promote the transnational Development because euphemism is widely used in international negotiations. So on that point is a great need for us t o study English euphemism, including its origin, its social function, and so forth2. The definitions of English euphemismEuphemism is a universal linguistic phenomenon. Nearly in every language, in that location atomic number 18 some(a) disgusting words, which make people feel mortified. In the process of communication, the unsuitable or too verbatim words will make people feel uncomfortable, even angry. indeed there is a great need for us to use a tactful way to express emotion, exchange ideas. That is to say, to use a pleasant, fruity or indirect words or phrases take the place of tabooed words. It is know that euphemism is a pains of language intentionally created in social relation to achieve ideal communication. Without them any language would seem to be stark(a) and rude, void of politeness and vividness to some extent. As a common communication in the process of people using language, euphemism is an important way for people to coordinate the social descents.Like a k ind of lubrication, euphemism enables people to express what cannot be uttered flat and ensures communication to be carried smoothly. It is a language Strategy in civilized society for avoiding taboo. It is unimaginable if the communication is without euphemism. The word euphemism was derived from the Greek word euphemismos, which means fair speech. The affix eu means good, sound well and pheme means tell or speech. And thus the literal marrow of euphemism is to speak with good words or in a pleasant manner. That is to say, euphemism is used as an alternative to unpleasant facet, in devote to avoid possible lose of face, either ones own face or by means of going darkense, that of the audience, or some of third of party.This unpleasant expression whitethorn be tabooed, timiditysome, or for some separate reasons that speakers cant or intend not to use some certain expression directly on some occasion. In Websters Encyclopedic Unabridged mental lexicon of the English Lan guage is the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought substituted . Rawson Blunt, a British source, defined euphemism as a good favorable interpretation of a bad word.1 Encyclopedia Britannica (1994) also defines euphemism as a figure of speech in which some social occasion of an unpleasant, distressing or indelicate nature is described in less offensive price2 From the above mentioned, we could clearly see that euphemism is characterized by avoidance language and evasive expression. The speakers use words or expressions as a protective shield against the anger or disapproval of natural or supernatural things. It is one form of language and a linguistic phenomenon3.The origins of English euphemism3.1 The religious origin of English euphemismThe earliest English euphemisms come from taboo. The word taboo comes from Togan, a kind of Polynesian. It indicates evasive language or execute. 3 The emergence of English euphemism is to meet the need of avoidi ng taboos. In primitive society, people cant explain much(prenominal) things as ailment and some supernatural phenomena. great deal have confusion amid the lay down of the things and things themselves. The name is viewed as an reference of things. Just as the idiom says Speak of devil and he appears . course the words or phrases related to much(prenominal)(prenominal) things become taboos. 4 In the antiquated periods, people had blind faith in ghosts and Gods they respected. They whispered and even fe bed them so they did not dare to address their names directly. They think it profane to name God.Therefore the names of gods become the earliest taboos. To speak name of gods was to give the sack the divinity whose power then had to be confronted. Such dangerous practices were speechless for priests skilled in negotiating with the supernatural. So the usual way to avoid is to utilize euphemisms. Therefore, for the religious need, a lot of euphemisms somewhat religion em erged. For example, in order not to desecrate God, people in English-speaking country unceasingly use some some other name for God instead of craft directly, such as Adonai, the Al great powery, Caesars Cruth, the Creater, Dod, Gad, Land, Lawks, Lawd. 5The opposite side of god is devil, which is more(prenominal) terrible for people. When people refer to them, they tend to use such euphemisms to fill in D, the Big D, the Evil one, the Black one, the Goodman, Jesse, Old boy, Our father, Lord of lords, King of kings, the lighthearted of the world, etc. 6 From the above mentioned, we can find that religion brings many inoffensive name in the religious matter, especially the naming and addressing of God to the language. 3.2 The racial and national origins of English euphemismIt is known to all, the phenomenon of racial discrimination is deeply rooted in America in which equal opportunity is flattered by American white people as an equal right enjoyed by everyone. payable to the gouge of social public opinion, although some whites discriminate the black from their heart, they will not expose this kind of prejudice in public. Meanwhile, few people dare to humiliate and persecute blacks publicly for no reason at all. In other words, the way of discrimination becomes tactful. There are many euphemisms emerging for this reason. In the 1930s, nigger is still a neutral noun in England, and has no meaning of humiliating blacks. only when since this word has the obvious meaning of discriminating the blacks, most of people in England and Americans use some other unoffending words, such as colored black instead.When verbalizeing around some other races, it does not often use the direct words that are related to color. People often use some euphemistic expression, such as the geographic name. 3.3 Historical, literary and Political origins of English euphemism From the time the Normans conquered England in 1066, English has emerged many euphemisms. At that time, t he main reason to use euphemism is that the language used by the conquered is often disparaged, and is thought as arrant(a) language. The upper class surely doesn t want to lower their circumstance to use such words. In order to avoid using such gross words, they tend to use the elegant words, which originated from Latin. And these words were conglomerate into English gradually. There are also many euphemisms in literary works.For example, in Hamlet, Shakespeare use the expression The undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns (there has never been a mystery travelers to come back off the country) to express his great sympathy for Hamlet . 7 The famous American writer Mark Twain use release to express die in his work The Adventure of Tom Sawyer. anyways, politics is a fertile area for the appearance and growth of English euphemism, which is cosmetic in expression notwithstanding deceptive in nature. Euphemisms of this kind are perpetually consciously and del iberately. The cosmetic euphemism can be easily found in American English. political sympathiess discussion of the Vietnam War was saturated with euphemisms.Villages burned and inhabitants imprisoned were Pacifications the war itself was not a war except a conflict, the assail becomes logistical strike or close air support, and cleaning becomes wasting the enemy. These euphemisms are used to deceive and to hide the marshy business of war . 8 The use of such Political euphemisms helps government to aggrandize the action and prevent people from taking any anti-government action. So in order to satisfy the Political inevitably, many euphemisms come to exist.4.The social communicative function of English euphemismFrom the perspective of language communication, euphemism functions to avoid taboos, to provide politeness and turn back feelings. Thanks to euphemism, it is palmy for people to accept the things that are in all likelihood to make others feel embarrassed or unhappy. It is peoples common character to express their ideas as mildly and tactfully as possible. Euphemism helps people to reach this goal. From the moment euphemism came into existence, it has played a very important role in our daily communication, and help establish a good relationship between human beings and even strengthen the social stability. Euphemism are incite by the desire not to be offensive.People use them to show their politeness, to avoid being offensive and to meet the mental and beneficial needs of both speakers and hearers in communication. But sometimes they are used to conceal or cover something. Accordingly, euphemism serves three basic communicative functions evasive function, polite function and cosmetic function.4.1 The evasive function of English euphemismThe evasive function of euphemism is to evade using taboos, enabling the speaker to talk about tabooed things drop offly. These tabooed things are believed to be dangerous to certain individuals, or to t he society as a whole, or to be disgusting and unpleasant, and cause fear. Such tabooed things include indisposition, disabilities, death, sex, proboscis excretion and body elimination process, etc. People can use euphemisms to talk about what cannot be talked directly.Reposted elsewhere in the paper for free download4.1.1 In footing of disease and disabilitiesPeople yearn for health, and fear for specific disease and every sort of disability. So people always use tactful way to express them. For example, cozy or genital disease such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, ADIS, etc. Are called social disease, communicative disease, etc. in English. Besides, disabilities are very polished area in every culture. In English, the disabled, the handicapped, the inconvenienced, the invalid, auditory impaired, hard of hearing, talk with ones fingers, etc. are put into service. 9 So euphemism plays a very important function in our social communication. Without it, we sometimes cannot stop our talk. 4.1.2 In terms of deathDeath is an inevitable stage at the end of lifes journey. It is common Experience of human beings. to that degree it has been the source of fear-fear of the loss of loved ones fear of the end of ones life fear of the actual process of dying. Therefore, all these fears, worries, and unpleasant feelings feature lead to verbal taboo of death. Euphemisms concerning death are extremely rich. In English, there are more than seventy euphemisms for death, including to be gone, to be gone to a better world, to be with God, to breath ones last, to close ones day, to depArt from the world forever, to depArt to God, to set asleep, join the great majority, pass away, etc. 10 No matter wherefore this word is used in a certain language, people always tend to use less harsh words4.1.3 In terms of sex, body excretion and body elimination process Words relating to sex, fostering and excretion are highly restricted to mention because they may conflagrate disgusting re sponses of people. Verbal taboo on them is probably motivated by the intuitive disaster, shame. People all have certain feelings of which they are so ashamed that they don t like to admit even to themselves. In peoples daily life or in some formal occasion, if the talk or discussion refers to something about drainage, people will try to avoid using vulgar language. They tend to use some implied or neutral words to make conversation comfortable. For ordinary people, the safest way to avoid mentioning these things that they have to mention in many circumstances is to use another expression-euphemism to replace the true name of such a thing.For example, in English there are many elegant expressions for going to WC, such as to wash ones hand, to spend a penny, to go and see ones aunt, to answer the call of nature, because nature calls, etc. 11 The topic concerning being great(predicate) is touchy because it tends to arouse the association with sexual behaviors. To beat round bushes is very necessary, such as with child , anticipating , excepting for pregnant , etc. 12 Talking about sexual intercourse is taboo. Expressions relating to sex have heavily been veiled for the figure of avoiding awkwardness and offense. So people use euphemistic words to talk about it. For example, people evade saying hip directly which is replaced with buttock, bottom, ones thing, and secret parts donates sex organs of both males and females.4.1.4 In terms of grey ageEnglish and Chinese have different feelings about old age. A Chinese is proud of being old, whereas a westerner will feel irritated and even insulted at mentioning his oldness. In English culture, people do not describe others as or to be described as old because the old, who no longer work, are ignored by society. Therefore, people create the second childhood favorable years, senior citizen, gray hair, mature golden age when they refer to old age in which it attempts to conceal the fact of becoming old and avoid arousi ng old peoples sad feeling of aging. 14 4.2 The polite function of English euphemism.Politeness is another important function that euphemisms serve in the social life. Politeness is the symbol of humans civilization and one of the important principles guiding peoples activities. As a kind of significant social activity, language activity must observe this principle, too. When we have to talk something unpleasant, we should choose euphemistic way to express in order not to hurt others. Being polite is a reasonable action that anyone who is keen on face-saving will take. The polite function of euphemism is seek to avoid being harsh or impolite in the communication. In other words, euphemisms are to minimize impolite expressions and maximize polite expressions. For instance, when a teacher comments on a students moral conducts and civilize work in front of the student or his or her parent, he or she should report the fact on one hand, and on the other hand should take into consid eration the students psychological resolution and the parents face.So the euphemistic way to express might be The student is a bit slow for his or her age instead of The student is stupid . 15 The polite function of English euphemism is be in every occupational language. Occupational discrimination gives people pressure and emotional irritation. Although euphemisms cannot uproot this kind of phenomenon, at least, they can give them some psychological comfort by upgrading of career name. Therefore, engineer, manager, etc. have become more and more fashionable.Dustman is changed to sanitary engineer mechanic to railroad car engineer , gardener to landscape architect , shoemaker to shoe rebuilder 16 In English, there are many adjectives about peoples appearance, such as good looking, handsome, pretty, charming, attractive, etc. They are all commendatory words. When talk about someone who is not pretty, we cannot use ugly or horribly. We had better use some euphemisms such as pla in, ordinary, not particularly looking, etc. instead of them. So euphemisms polite function can save peoples face in their process of communication. It is so important that we cannot neglect it.4.3 The cosmetic function of English euphemismBesides the evasive and polite function, euphemism has the cosmetic function. This kind of euphemism is usually used in the government, military, politics and commerce. It refers to using good words to beautify things, which are not beautiful in reality and make the thing be more persuaded and acceptable. Because euphemism has the nature of vagueness, to some extent, it is deceptive. Traditionally speaking, euphemism plays a positive role in social life. Using it, people can avoid some embarrassed and ungracious occasion. But just as every coin has cardinal sides, euphemism has no exception. Using it suitably can coordinate social relationships, but abusing it will mislead the public, will cover up the essence of things. For example, in moder n westward society, the poor is called as the needy , later it was changed to the culturally deprived , then to the underprivileged , at last to the disadvantaged . So it will confuse people that this country is so rich that there is no poor people at all. Firstly, the government and the military often use them to disguise the reality from truth.They describe sparing crisis as recession or depression attack as active defense. 17 At the beginning of 20th century , the relationship between labor and great(p) become strained, and the agitation of striking became a serious social problem. In order to hide the fact, politicians call the strained labor-capital relationship as industrial climate, striking as industrial action. If the negotiation between labor and capital is successful, it will be claimed as productive, on the contrary, it is counter-productive. 18 Secondly, this kind of euphemism is widely used in commerce. It is often used to play tricks and to deceive the customers. The commercial exaggerates the products function and quality. In the analogous way, the English euphemism is also used to make customers feel pleased . For example, in order to meet the passengers sense of dignity, some Airlines call First descriptor Deluxe screen out or Premium Class Second Class First Class and Third Class become Business Class, Economic Class, or Tourist Class.Doing like these, it seems that all passengers position are promoted. Their purpose is to attract more passengers and gain more profits by using euphemisms in the communication, meanwhile, the customers feel more decent, and it helps customers save face. In short, euphemism of this kind may make an idea more palatable, but they inflate language, reduce preciseness and often tamper with truth. Some people condemn euphemism as subvert because of its hypocrisy, which other consider them useful in the aspect of coordinating social relationships . However, the fact remains that euphemisms are very much a par t of the language, and whats more important for us is not to debate their merits or demerits, but rather to be able to realize that English euphemism can serve for the special social activities under certain circumstance.5. ConclusionEnglish euphemism as an essential part of English language, is observed everywhere and widely used in peoples daily communication. On the production of the origin and social communicative function of English euphemism, this thesis has a tentative exploration. But this kind of exploration is in a state of Development because euphemism is developed all the time. Euphemism roots in every aspect of social life, and is developed with the advancement of society. English euphemism is a mirror of Western Culture in the form of English language. From the moment it was born, it has distinct culture color. Euphemism undoubtedly reflects the inner relationship among the cultural tradition, social values and the form of language. In speech interaction, sometime s, out of politeness or tact, one uses a pleasant, less direct word instead of something unpleasant. Using euphemism is speakers active pragmatic Strategy in a certain time and a certain situation.English euphemism promotes the Development of English language, and enriches the vocabularies of English language, big(a) people a feeling of warm and fresh. In the 21st century, with the phylogenesis of science and technology, many social problems rise, too. People crave for the gentle, warm and easy understood words. Euphemism emerges ceaselessly just right for meeting this psychological need. As a common communication medium and a rhetoric method, English euphemism will be used wider and wider.Some scholars hold the opinion that it is nonsensical to use euphemism because they have the nature of deceit, especially in politics and government. But we cannot deny the fact that euphemism is very helpful in the process of human communication. Twenty-first century is a period when people of different culture have even more touches with each other. So it is vital for us to have a good understanding of English euphemism. It is unimaginable if the diplomatical negotiation is without euphemism. Using euphemism is a kind of language skill that each of us should master.Bibliography1 Li Qing. A Tentative body of work of English Euphemism-From pragmatic sanction Perspective. Shandong Normal University, a masters degree thesis in English Language and literature. 2003 2.24 P2 2 Wu Chang-Qi An Analysis of Diplomatic Euphemism from the Perspectives of Cooperative Principles andPoliteness Principle. Chongqing University of unconnected Linguistics and Applied Linguistics Masters degree thesis. 2004.5 P7 3 Hanyin Yan, Liu Lei. Euphemisms from the psychological view of social communicative function J. Science, Shenyang Normal University (Social Science Edition). 2005.3 P146 4 the uniform 1 P45 Xiang-Yun Wu. Euphemism social function J. Zhaotong Teachers College. 2004.2 P30 6 the same 5 P307 Mao newborn cultivation. On the basis of English Euphemisms generation J. Yunmeng Journal. 2004.3 P3 8 Sheng-Juan. On the cover of Euphemism function J. Hunan Agricultural University (Social Science Edition). 2004.12 P94 9 HU Chun-mei. On the composition and function of Euphemism J. Zhejiang Education College. 2005.1P32 10 Kong a peak, sick(p)g Yanjun. Euphemism of the communicative functions of English and its applications J. Shanxi Journal of Radio and Television University. 2004.P59 11 the same 10 P5912 Bi Xiuying A Study on English Euphemism. Zhengzhou University Foreign Language and Literature masters degree thesis 2003.11 P34 13 Fan groups A Study of Culture Connotation of English Euphemism, Hunan Normal University, a masters degree in English Language and Literature Papers 2005.5 P43 14 Ya-Ping Wang, Wan Xueqin. Interpretation of the communicative functions of English Euphemisms J. Jiangxi education. 2004.6 P37 15 Muge force. On the very structure of English eu phemism J. Gansu Science and Technology vertical and horizontal. 2005.2 P133 16 Tao Qin 3. Discussion on the origin of English Euphemisms and social function J. A Journal of Nanjing health. 2003.1 P157 17 Wang Ping. The Communicative Functions of English Euphemism and its tectonic approach Exploration J. Fuqing Branch of Fujian Normal University Journal of .2004.4 P62 18 the same 10 P59