A Comparative Study of English Euphemism and Chinese Euphemism
Abstract: 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 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 classification 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 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-psychological and pragmatic factors.
Key Words: euphemism; comparative study; linguistic phenomenon; cultural phenomenon
英汉委婉语对比研究
摘 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：委婉语；对比研究；语言现象；文化现象
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
1. History and Studies of Euphemisms in English and Chinese 1
1.1 A Brief History of Euphemisms in English and Chinese 1
1.1.1 The History of English Euphemisms 1
1.1.2 The History of Chinese Euphemisms 2
1.2 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 3
2. Language, Culture, Taboo and Euphemism 3
2.1 Language and Euphemism 3
2.2 Culture and Euphemism 4
2.3 Taboo and Euphemism 4
3. Definition and Classification of Euphemism 4
3.1 Definition of Euphemism 4
3.2 Classification of Euphemism 5
3.2.1 Positive Euphemism and Negative Euphemism 6
3.2.2 Conscious Euphemism and Unconscious Euphemism 6
3.2.3 Instantaneous Euphemism and Continuous Euphemism 6
3.2.4 Other Classifications of Euphemism 7
4. Comparison Between Chinese and English Euphemisms 7
4.1 Similarities 7
4.1.1 Using Vague Words or Expressions 7
4.1.2 Using Substitutions 8
4.1.3 Using Loan Words 8
4.1.4 Using Abbreviations and Omissions 8
4.2 Differences 10
4.2.1 Differences in Form 10
4.2.2 Differences in Culture 12
4.2.3 Differences in Usage 14
5. Conclusion 14
