Abstract

It is universally acknowledged that Euphemism is a sociolinguistics phenomenon. People often use euphemism for the basis of expressing their different views and aspirations politely and indirectly in order to establish a good environment. Euphemism is usually a polite way to say something that is awkward or unpleasant. Euphemism has close relationships with the culture, and it truly mirrors the life and values of people and their history. The study of Chinese and English euphemism can help us understand the Chinese and western cultures.

On the basis of previous studies on Euphemism in English and Chinese languages, this paper makes a comparative study between English Euphemism and Chinese Euphemism. The comparative study of English and Chinese euphemism, aims at a deeper understanding of the language features of English and Chinese euphemism and raise the awareness of cultural differences in the target language and native culture, thereby contributing to the proper use of euphemism in communication.

Key words: Euphemism; cultural differences; Contrastive Analysis

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

1.1 Research Background and Significance 2

1.2 Literature Review ..2

Chapter 2 Euphemism ..4

2.1 The Definition of Euphemism4

2.2 The Origin and Development of Euphemism 4

Chapter 3 Cultural Differences in Chinese and Western Euphemism ..6

3.1 Comparison of Cultural Difference in Chinese and Western Euphemism..6

 3.1.1 Euphemism on Death6

 3.1.2 Euphemism on Old Age.7

 3.1.3 Euphemism on Poverty.8

 3.1.4 Euphemism on Marriage and Pregnancy8

 3.1.5 Euphemism on Disease.9

3.2 The Causes to the Difference ..10

 3.2.1 Differences in the Values .10

 3.2.2 Differences in the Religions..11

 3.2.3 Differences in the Ethical Cultures..12

 3.2.4 Differences in the Social Systems..13

Chapter 4 Conclusion ..15

Bibliography .16

Acknowledgments ..17