英语委婉语的起源与社会作用

[Abstract] Euphemism, as a common linguistic phenomenon in world culture, is widely used in e very social class and field. English euphemism, as one of many euphemisms existing in the world, has its own deep origin, which include both the religious origin and the historical, literary origin. This thesis will try to discuss the origin of English euphemism from every aspect of religion, race, politics, literary, and history. Language reflects life, and is always closely related to the society. D uring the communication, due to some certain restriction of behavior and morality, people tend to use euphemism—used as a kind of lubrication, making the harsh, indelicate words sound tactful a nd pleasant. English euphemism plays a very important role in people’s social communication. Thi s paper will also expound the social communicative function of English euphemism from the three aspects: evasive function, polite function, and cosmetic function. Having a good understanding of the origin and social function of English euphemism and the English language culture can avoid many conflicts in the process of social communication.

[Key Words] origin; communicative function; evasion; cosmetic function; politeness

【摘要】委婉语是世界文化中普遍存在的语言现象,它广泛应用于社会各阶层和领域。英语委婉语作为众多委婉语中的一种,具有其产生的深厚渊源,其中包宗教与政治的,也包括文学与历史的。本文试图从宗教、种族、政治、文学、历史等方面入手来探讨英语委婉语的产生渊源。语言反映生活,并且总是和社会紧密联系在一起,在语言交谈中,由于一定的行为规范和道德准则的制约,人们通常使用委婉语----这一“润滑剂”,使刺耳,不文雅的话变得委婉愉悦。它在人们的社会交际过程中发挥着重要作用。本文从其避讳功能、礼貌功能以及掩饰功能三方面阐释了英语委婉语的社会交际功能。通过充分理解英语委婉语的起源及其社会交际功能,进一步理解英语语言文化,以避免社会交际中的各种冲突。

【关键词】起源; 交际功能; 避讳; 礼貌; 掩饰

1.Introduction

Euphemism is a cultural phenomenon as well as a linguistic concept. Every language has its ow n euphemism, so does English. It is deeply rooted in social life and has a great influence on social communication. As an indispensable and natural part of English language, English euphemism has attracted people’s attention for a long time. Since Euphemism was coined, it has played a very im portant role in people’s communication. The communication without euphemism is unimaginable. Euphemism is used like lubrication, which makes the communication go on smoothly. This thesis will have an overview of the origin of English euphemism, and state its social communicative func tion.

English euphemism as a linguistic concept, it has close relationships with the western culture, a nd it truly reflects the life and values of English people and their history. Euphemism is a particula rly good medium for access to the force of language that has provided an effective approach to un derstanding the human mind. The study of English euphemism can help us understand the western culture and promote the international development because euphemism is widely used in internati onal negotiations. So there is a great need for us to study English euphemism, including: its origin, its social function, etc.

2. The definitions of English euphemism

Euphemism is a universal linguistic phenomenon. Nearly in every language, there are some disg usting words, which make people feel embarrassed. In the process of communication, the unsuitab le or too direct words will make people feel uncomfortable, even angry. Then 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, mil d or indirect words or phrases take the place of tabooed words.