Abstract:This study introduces the definition of national slurs, the causes of national slurs and the roles of national slurs. The writer picks some typical examples to introduce the national slurs in some nations. This paper also introduces the history and meaning of these national slurs. It would be helpful for readers to know more about the national slurs. This paper analyses the causes of national slurs and the phenomenon of these slurs. Examples from novels and movies are given to analyze the use of national slurs from the aspect of lexical semantics to help readers improve the accuracy of the language.. No matter from which aspect to analyze national slurs, they should be put in whole sentences or paragraphs for proper understanding. 

Key words: national slurs; lexical semantics； ethnic discrimination

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Lexical Semantics.2

  2.1 Definition of Lexical Semantics

2.2 Contextual Theory of Glosseme

  2.3 Theory of Glosseme Change

3. National Slurs..3

  3.1 Definition of National Slurs

  3.2 Causes of National Slurs

      3.2.1 Hatred caused by wars

     3.2.2 Ethnocentrism

     3.2.3 Cultural Differences

     3.2.4 Appearance and Personality Differences

  3.3 Effects of National Slurs6

     3.3.1 Worsening National Relationship

     3.3.2 Stimulating the Development of the Insulted Nations

  3.4 Classifications of National Slur7

     3.4.1 National Slurs Formed by Semantics Degradation

     3.4.2 National Slurs Formed by Adding Nouns or Verbs or Adjectives

3.4.3 National Slurs Specially Created

4.The Analysis of Use of National Slurs from the Aspect of Lexical Semantics8

   4.1 The Use of National Slurs from Contextual Perspective

   4.2 The Use of National Slurs from Glosseme Change

5.Conclusion12

Bibliography.13

Acknowledgements..14