Research On The Comparison Of Pragmatic Function Between Chinese And English Euphemism

Euphemism is a phenomenon of language and cultural. Each country has its own euphemism. The firstpart of this paper summarizes the history and the current situation of Chinese euphemism and Englisheuphemism. Euphemism originated from Taboo. Thus, the second part of this paper gives the definition ofeuphemism and taboo words and analyzes the differences and relations of the euphemisms and taboo words:first of all, they are two different language phenomenon, has different properties and meaning; secondly,their social functions are different. Euphemism is a means of communication process in order to make thelistener more receptive so that communication becomes more smoothly. The third part of this articleelaborates the pragmatic function of Chinese and English euphemism: evasive function, polite function andcovering function. The fourth part states the relationship between euphemism and pragmatic principle. It isagainst the cooperative principle and observes the politeness principle. When the politeness principle isconflict with the self production principle, the former submit to the later.The uses of euphemism are related to culture. So the last part of this article discusses the culturalconnotation reflected by euphemism：different religious beliefs, different concept of hierarchy, differenttraditions and ethics, different social values.