Prototype Theory And Conceptual Integration Theory Euphemism Complementary

Euphemism is a common linguistic phenomenon in human communication. It has been studied from the perspectives of semantics, pragmatics and etc. With the development of cognitive science in recent years, scholars try to use different cognitive linguistic theories to explain the process of meaning construction of euphemisms. These theories are Prototype Theory, Conceptual Integration Theory, Theories of Conceptual Metaphor and Conceptual Metonymy. Prototype Theory and Conceptual Integration Theory can both explain the meaning construction of euphemisms, but each explanation has its own advantages and disadvantages. Prototype Theory can be applied to explain how euphemisms are categorized and how the euphemistic effects are achieved. Conceptual Integration Theory can show the dynamic process of on-line meaning construction of euphemisms. The author assumes that if we combine these two theories, we can understand euphemisms better. The author analyzes the conceptual integration process of euphemisms formed in different ways with the help of four types of integration network. In blending space, the Prototype Theory is applied to explain how the euphemistic effects are achieved through the process of categorization.