摘要

英语委婉语作为一种普遍存在的语言现象在人际关系中的"润滑"作用越来越突出。作为一种文化现象，它更是反映着英美国家的价值观念和文化传统。英语中委婉语的应用范围非常广，涉及到社会的各个领域。通过英语委婉语可以了解英美国家的文化经济背景，让我们在跨文化交际中得体自如地使用语言，达到成功的交际目的。

关键字:中英文化  委婉语  人际交往

Contents

摘要  i

Abstract ii

1 Introduction 1

1.1 The Definition of Euphemisms 1

1.2 The Usage Scope and Development History of Euphemisms 1

1.3 The Social Foundation of the Emergence of English Euphemisms 2

1.4 Types of English Euphemisms 2

1.5 The Characteristics of English Euphemisms 3

2 The Presentation of Communicative Function of English Euphemisms 4

2.1 Euphemism in Religions 4

2.2 Euphemisms in Illness 5

2.3 Euphemism in Age and Appearance 6

2.4 Euphemisms in Occupation 6

2.5 Euphemisms in Politics and Military 6

2.6 Euphemisms in Business 7

2.7 Euphemisms in Diplomacy 8

2.8 Euphemisms in Age 8

2.9 The Application of English Euphemism in Educational Circles 8

3 Pragmatic Features of Euphemisms 9

3.1 Indirectness 9

3.2 Politeness 9

3.3 Sociality 10

3.4 History 10

3.5 Region 10

4 Euphemism and the Principle of Cooperation 10

4.1 The violation of Quantity Principle by Euphemisms 11

4.2 The violation of the Principle of Confrontation in Euphemisms 11

4.3The violation of the Principle of Relationship in Euphemisms 11

5 Analysis on the Usage of Euphemisms 11

5.1 Altruistic Euphemism 12

5.2 Self-interested Euphemisms 12

6 The Constitution Principle of English Euphemisms 12

6.1 Distance Principle 12

6.2 Relevant Pinciple 13

6.3 Sound Pinciple 13

7 The Technique of Expression of Euphemisms in English 13

7.1 Using Loanwords 14

7.2 Using Metaphor 14

7.3 Using Analogy 14

7.4 Using Periphrasis 15

8 The Application of English Euphemism in Literature 15

9 Comparison of English and Chinese Euphemisms 16

9.1 Different Forms 16

9.2Different Moral Concept Reflected 16

9.3 Different Emphasis on the Emotional Connotation 16

10 Conclusion 17

Bibliography 19

Acknowledgements 20