Exploration In The Use Of Euphemism In Literary Works

Euphemism is a very common existence in daily conversation, literary works, document and mess media. Many linguists and sociologists have made a lot of research in it. Traditionally, the use and the formation of euphemism are linguistic phenomena. This paper examines how personal linguistic choices of euphemism in literary works are actually social products. How people use euphemism to talk about sex is a direct reflection of these social mores. To examine this , and to add a historical perspective, examples of sexual euphemism are extracted from three British novels that span 180 years. This paper studies the motivation and the formation of euphemism from a diachronic point of view based on the resultant data.In an attempt to establish the primary motivational force behind euphemism use, several pragmatic theories are discussed, with each providing some significance in this area. Due to the nature of pragmatics and euphemism, it is necessary to put the euphemisms into their historical contexts before any real conclusions may be drawn. This requires a study into the cultural and social background of each novel. It also includes the study of history, psychology and philosophy. Finally, the author tries to argue that one of the pragmatic theories is the primary force behind the use of euphemism.In studying euphemism formation, an existing Warren's model is examined and the rules and categories suggested are tested by euphemisms from the novels. It is suggested that there is still possible room for improvements in Warren's model if all examples be explained in the novels. A modified model is proposed to encompass all of these euphemisms, as well as other examples from other sources.It is suggested in the last part that this study and others like it may have wide applications in language enquiry and in the social science, hopefully it may offer some insight for further research and understanding.