从英语委婉语看西方文化的禁忌.doc

Contents

Abstract in English I
Abstract in Chinese II
I. Introduction 1
1.1. The definition of euphemisms 1
1.2. The origin of English euphemisms 1
II. Taboos of English euphemisms and their connotation 3
2.1. The classification of English euphemisms 3
2.2. The function of English euphemisms 3
2.2.1. Function of taboos 3
2.2.2. Function of politeness 4
2.2.3. Function of beautification 4
2.2.4. Function of concealment 5
2.3. An analysis of taboos of Western culture through understanding the
incentives of English euphemisms 5
2.3.1. The use of English euphemisms as a result of worry and fear 5
2.3.2. The use of religious euphemisms as a result of worship 6
2.3.3. The use of shyness euphemisms as a result of shy psychology 6
III. Application of English euphemisms and its revelation on
cross-cultural communication 8
3.1. Characteristics of English euphemisms in cross-cultural communication 8
3.1.1. Time differences of English euphemisms 8
3.1.2. Regional differences of English euphemisms 8
3.1.3. Register differences of English euphemisms 8
3.1.4. Nationality of English euphemisms 9
3.1.5. Gender differences of English euphemisms 9
3.2. More examples for English euphemisms and their specific applications 10
3.3. Revelation of English euphemisms on cross-cultural communication 10
IV. Conclusion 13
Bibliography 14