英汉委婉语的语用功能对比分析

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论文题目：Comparative Analysis of Pragmatic Function Between

English and Chinese Euphemism

英汉委婉语的语用功能对比分析

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Abstract

Euphemism, cosmetic words, is not only a lingual phenomenon, but also a cultural and social phenomenon. It is like a mirror, reflecting the values, aesthetic conceptions and moral concepts in some extent. Euphemism plays an important part in social communication. It is like lube that avoids hurting the other party’s feeling. It oils the human relationship in communication and helps to save face of communicators. If people make full use of euphemism, it can accelerate and facilitate human communication. This paper elaborates on the features and social functions of euphemism. And it focuses on the relationships between its polite functions and Politeness Principle.

As an important rhetoric means to harmonize interpersonal relationships, euphemisms are widely used in both Chinese and English verbal communication. However, in different context, euphemisms perform different pragmatic functions. Based on different pragmatic functions of euphemisms, this article aims to discuss the similarities and differences of Chinese and English euphemisms.

This thesis is composed of six parts with Chapter Four and Five as its core: The first chapter focuses on the origin and definitions of euphemism. The second chapter discusses the features of euphemism in many ways. The third chapter talks about the social functions of euphemism from the angle of pragmatics. The fourth chapter forms the basis of the whole research by connecting euphemism with politeness and face-saving theory. The fifth chapter centers on euphemism and Politeness Principle. The last chapter concludes the whole thesis. Appropriate use of English euphemism can contribute a lot to successful message exchange.

【Key Words】euphemism, pragmatic functions, verbal communication

摘要

委婉语是一种语言现象，一种文化现象，更是一种社会现象，在一定程度上，它反映了社会的价值观，审美观和美德观。委婉语在社会交际中发挥着重要作用。日常的约定俗成的委婉语能起润滑剂的作用，通过委婉语，可以避免语言过于直露而给对方造成伤害。它是语言使用中人们用来协调人际关系的有效润滑剂，是保全交际各方面子的重要手段。很多中外学者曾从不同的角度对英语委婉语进行了长期的研究并取得了可喜的成果。本文主要研讨了委婉语的特点，社会功用，并从语用学的角度分析了委婉语的社会功用，礼貌原则及面子问题。

委婉语作为一种重要的修辞和表达手段，在英语和汉语语言交际中使用非常频繁。委婉语在日常交际中具有不同的语用功能。本文拟从委婉语的语用功能角度，对比分析英汉委婉语的异同。

本文分为六个部分。第四和第五章是文章的重点。第一章主要探讨了委婉语的定义及起源。第二章从很多方面概括了委婉语的特点。第三章从语用的角度分析了委婉语的社会功用。第四章把委婉语与礼貌，面子保全论联系在一起，是本文的核心。第五章侧重于委婉语貌与礼貌原则的关系。本文的实践意义在于其分析结论有助于保证信息传递的顺利进行并促进人们的日常交流。

关键词：委婉语，语用功能，口语交流

Contents

1.Introduction1

2.Definition of euphemism2

3.The structure of the euphemism principle3 3.1 Distance principle and Relevant principles 3

3.1.1Distance principle 3

3.1.2 Relevant principles 4 3.2 Politeness principle and self protection principle 4

3.2.1 Politeness principle 4

3.2.2 Leech's self protection principle 5

4. The formation of English euphemisms7 4.1 Phonetic devices 7

4.2 V ocabulary devices 7

4.2.1 Loan words 7

4.2.2 Using uplifting words 7

4.2.3 Using vague words or expressions 7

4.2.4 Using country names 8

4.3Grammatical devices 8

4.3.1 Using the past tense 9

4.3.2 Using the subjunctive mood 9

4.3.3 Using the passive voice 9

4.3.4Using parentheses 10

4.3.5Using “please”10

4.3.6 Using tag questions 10

5. Pragmatic function11 5.1Taboo function 11 5.2Covering up function 12

5.3Polite function 13

6. Conclusion14

7. Bibliography15