Abstract

     Being an indispensable part of English language, English euphemisms have long been arousing wide interest from many linguists and scholars. Researches into this topic cover different perspectives, including linguistics,pragmatics, sociolinguistics and Psychology. In order to make the readers have a good understanding of the structure, this thesis firstly gives a brief introduction of the achievements which have been made before. Then it illustrates some knowledge of euphemisms, including their origin and development, their definitions and their social functions. 

     Euphemisms can be applied in many aspects. The application of euphemisms is linked closely with pragmatic theories like Politeness Principle, Face Theory, and Cooperative Principle. Thus, in chapter three this thesis will discuss the application of euphemism from the perspective of pragmatics. The application of euphemisms in English language teaching is only one part of the application of euphemisms. However, English euphemism plays an important role in English language teaching,   the application of English euphemisms in English language teaching brings the thesis to its main concern. Thus, This thesis discusses the accessibility of introducing euphemisms to English language teaching, and it is proved necessary that euphemisms should be introduced to English Language teaching. Based on this, the thesis then analyze some factors influencing the input of euphemisms. In order to solve this, this thesis put forward some tentative strategies to help the students grasp this language phenomenon.

     In conclusion, this thesis aims to emphasize the importance of euphemisms in our daily communication, especially in English language teaching. Language is used for communication. -Euphemisms ensure us a smooth interaction with other people since this way of expression takes others' “face want”into consideration and puts “politeness”in the first place which make successful communication possible. All in all, the purpose of this thesis is to reveal that it is practical and meaningful to introduce knowledge of English euphemisms English Language Teaching.

Key Words: English euphemisms Application English language teaching

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1 A General Introduction to This Thesis-1

1.1 Review on Researches into Euphemisms-1

1.2 A General Introduction to This Thesis-2

2 A General Introduction to English Euphemisms-3

2.1 Origin and Development of English Euphemisms .-3

2.2 Definitions of Euphemisms-4

2.3 Social Functions of English Euphemisms-5

2.3.1 Replacing Taboo-5

2.3.2 Eliminating Vulgarness-5

2.3.3 Politeness Function-6

2.3.4 Function of Concealment-6

2.3.5 Function of Praising-7

3 Pragmatic Theories Used to Achieve Euphemistic Effect in Communication-7

3.1 English Euphemism and Politeness Principle-7

3.1.1 The Connotation and Meaning of Politeness Principle-8

3.1.2 The Way English Euphemism Manifests Politeness Principle-9

3.2 English Euphemism and Face Theory-10

3.3 English Euphemism and Cooperative Principle.-11

3.3.1 The Connotation and Meaning of Cooperate Principle-11

3.3.2 English Euphemism and Violation of the Cooperative Principle.-12

4 Euphemisms and English Language Teaching-12

4.1 The Accessibility of Introducing Euphemisms into English Language Teaching-13

4.1.1 Euphemisms and Students' Psychological Want-14

4.1.2 Euphemisms and Cross-cultural Awareness-14

4.2 Factors Influencing Students' Knowledge Input of English Euphemisms-15

4.3 Strategies to Apply English Euphemisms in English Language Teaching-18

4.3.1 Comparison-18

4.3.2 Appropriateness of Language Expression-19

4.4 Knowledge Output.-19

Conclusion-20

Acknowledgements-22