论英语委婉语的使用理据及英汉对比

Rationale for the Use of English Euphemisms

英汉两种语言都有大量的委婉语。英汉委婉语看似相似,实有差异。究其根源,它们建立在各自不同的文化底蕴之上。语言是思想的载体,是社会文化的镜子。英汉委婉语从诞生之日起就不可避免地打上各自的文化烙印,带有鲜明的社会文化标记,折射出英汉文化与语言的民族性和共同性。本文旨在分析英语委婉语的使用理据,揭示其背后的文化底蕴,从而为跨文化交际奠定理论依据。

English and Chinese, as two different languages, both have a large number of euphemisms. English and Chinese euphemisms seem to be similar, but in fact, they have many differences as they are established based on different social backgrounds and cultures. Language is the carrier of thought and reflector of culture. The comparative study of English and Chinese euphemism can reflect the peculiarities and universalities of the two cultures, and can help to overcome some difficulties in communication among people from different cultures. This article aims to make an analysis of rationale for the use of English euphemisms, reveal the social culture behind, and establish a theoretical basis for carrying on cross-cuhure communication. Key words ： English euphemism; rationale ; difference and similarity