ABSTRACT

There are a large number of euphemisms in both the English and Chinese languages. Euphemism is a kind of rhetoric and is widespread language phenomenon that is commonly found in different societies, with its unique source and form and following a certain law of development. At the same time, it is also a kind of cultural phenomenon, which reflects the thinking models, values, religious backgrounds and aesthetic values of different countries. Euphemism plays an important role in our daily communication and cross cultural communication, and it penetrates into all aspects of politics, economy, education, culture and daily life. Although speakers of euphemism in different countries may share similar psychology, due to the differences in geography, historical origin, customs and other aspects, the different cultural psychologies can be found in their use of euphemism.

The so-called cultural psychology is a relatively stable mental state and psychological characteristics in people's minds formed in a nation’s long process of development, in the context of a certain social economic system, and under the influence of the blend of history and reality. In this research the differences between Chinese and English euphemisms are discussed in terms of the psychological differences between Chinese and Western cultures. It is expected that a full understanding of those differences will contribute to language learners’ correct use of the target language and avoiding errors in cross-cultural communication.

Key words: English and Chinese euphemism; cultural difference; cross-cultural communication

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One  INTRODUCTION -1

Chapter Two  LITERATURE REVIEW-2

2.1 General Understanding of Euphemisms-2

2.1.1 The origin of Euphemism-2

2.1.2 Definition of Euphemism-3

2.1.3 Comparison of Chinese and English Euphemisms-4

2.2 Studies on Euphemism at Home and Abroad-4

2.3 Summary-5

Chapter Three  DIFFERENT PSYCHOLOGIES AND DIFFERENCE IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH EUPHEMISMS-7

3.1 Language, Culture, and Euphemism-7

3.1.1 Language and Euphemism-7

3.1.2 Culture and Euphemism-7

3.1.3 Functions of Euphemism in Language and Culture-8

3.2 The Difference of Chinese and Western Cultural Psychology-8

3.2.1 The Differences in Concept of status-8

3.2.2 The Differences in Religious Beliefs-9

3.2.3 The Differences in Aesthetic View-10

3.2.4 The Differences in Values-10

3.3 The Reasons for Cultural and Psychological Differences-10

Chapter Four  IMPLICATION FOR ENGLISH EUPHEMISM TEACHING -12

4.1 The Importance of English Euphemism Teaching-12

4.2 The Present Situation of English Euphemism Teaching-12

4.3 Ways to Improve English Euphemism Teaching-13

4.3.1 English Textbooks-13

4.3.2 English Teachers-14

4.3.3 Students-14

Chapter FIVE  CONCLUSION-15

REFERENCES-16