Abstract

Euphemism is a universal cultural phenomenon. For sake of people's different beliefs, customs and lifestyles, different ethnic euphemisms are unique. So this paper focuses on the Eastern and Western cultures, studying similarities and differences between Eastern and Western euphemism, revealing the secrets of euphemism. Language is the carrier of culture, and euphemism is also a rhetorical device. The translator usually needs to consider the foreign language environment and local language environment. This paper describes from literal translation, translation, translation; such three aspects show the strategies of translation. Euphemism has inspired widespread concern both from Eastern and Western scholars. Considering past achievements, the author studies English euphemism from the perspective of comparison. Through comparative research, we can understand commonness and individuality between Chinese and English cultures, as well as translation skills; those things have great significance on the study of euphemism.

Key words: English and Chinese euphemism, contrastive study, cultural motivation, social value

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

3. The Constructive Rules of English and Chinese Euphemism-2

3.1 By rhetoric-3

3.1.1 Metaphor-3

3.1.2 Roundabout state-3

3.1.3 Analogy-3

3.2 Semantics-3

3.3 Word formation-4

4. The Similarities between English and Chinese Euphemism-5

4.1 Taboo conditions-5

4.2 Birth and death-5

4.3 Sex conditions-6

4.4 Diplomacy conditions-6

5. The Contrasts between English and Chinese Euphemism-7

5.1 Religion variations-7

5.2 Marriage and pregnancy Variations-8

5.3 Politeness variations-8

5.4 Addressing variations-9

6. Translations of English Euphemism-10

6.1 Literal translation-10

6.2 Free translation-10

6.3 Transplantation-11

7. Convergence between English and Chinese Euphemism-11

8. Conclusion-12

References-13