英语委婉语的民族文化特质

On the Cultural Characteristics of English Euphemism

委婉语不仅是一种语言现象,而且是一种文化现象。英语委婉语在避讳、避俗、避伤、掩饰、礼貌等方面有其个性化的表达方式。透过英语委婉语的个性化表达,不难发现其独立、开放、幽默、创新以及自我中心的民族文化特质。

Euphemism is not only linguistic phenomena, but also a cultural phenomenon. English euphemism has its individualized way of expression when it is used to avoid taboo, vulgarity and hurting one＇s self esteem, disguise problems, and be polite. Such na- tionalistic characteristics as independence, openness, humors, creativity and egotism can be easily seen from the individualized expres-sion of English euphemism.