A Study Of Pragmatic Functions Of English Euphemism

Euphemism, as a cultural phenomenon as well as a special linguistic form, is often said to be a sort of"lubricating oil"in language communication and the bridge to establish harmonious social relationships. It has become an indispensable element in people's interactions with the increasing development of modern society. Many linguistics and scholars have studied euphemisms from different angles. Their studies are often confined to the definition, classification and formation of euphemism, or they often analyze its relationships with Cooperative Principle, Politeness Principle and Face Theory. While this thesis is intended to analyze the pragmatic functions of euphemism from the perspectives of linguistics, pragmatics and socio-psychology.In the thesis, firstly the author tries to trace back to the history of English euphemism and analyze the definition, classification and formation of it. Secondly, the author attempts to analyze the pragmatic functions of English euphemisms in detail. Euphemism is closely related to pragmatics. In the course of communication, people always apply pragmatic principles to the utilization of euphemism consciously or subconsciously. It helps people release emotional contest, form a positive communicative atmosphere, establish harmonious social relationships and eventually achieve the communicative goals. There are three main pragmatic functions of euphemism: to avoid offense, to beautify and to disguise and deceive. The author discusses what subjects or topics are often required to be"beaten around the bushes"rather than talk about them directly from the angles of linguistic, social-psychologist and the national characters of English-speaking people. When talks about euphemisms used to avoid offense others, we meet many tabooed words and expressions, such as words of sanctity; body parts and its functions; sex and reproduction; disease and death, etc. The author tries to analyze the second function of euphemism to beautify from three perspectives. That is, people want to be dignified, respected and to be treated politely. The third pragmatic function of euphemism has a bad-sounding meaning, to disguise or deceive. This function keeps the communication in the dark of the truth. Among the diverse specific categories, politics, commerce and military affairs are hotbeds for euphemisms, the real meanings of this kind of euphemism are deception. Besides the above three major functions, the euphemisms can also be used to achieve humorous, satire or modest effect. At last, the author summarizes the whole thesis and talks about the value of the paper in the research of English cultures and the proper cross-culture communication.