Contrastive study of English and Chinese Euphemism开题报告

1. 研究目的与意义

The term #8220;euphemism#8221; comes from Greek and the literal meaning of the word is #8220;to speak with good words or in a pleasure manner#8221;（Neaman,1985）. Euphemism is not only a linguistic phenomenon, but also a cultural phenomenon. As a kind of special linguistic phenomenon, Euphemisms coexist in various languages in human society. Regardless of written or oral expression, everyone uses euphemisms consciously or unconsciously in order to make communication continue smoothly and happily. We should know some strategies in using euphemisms. To a great extent, it serves as the #8220;lubricating oil#8221; in language communication. From cultural perspectives, studying euphemism contrast can help us know better about two countries. Language is the carrier and reflector of culture, euphemism in different countries may have different characteristics of the social culture. They are of considerable value and function as the guidance to the foreign language learning and teaching, intercultural communication, translation and so on. Especially this year is a #8220;gold year#8221; between China and England friendship.

2. 研究内容和预期目标

1. introduction

2. a general survey of english and chinese euphemism

2.1 the origin of english and chinese euphemism

3. 国内外研究现状

as an indispensable and natural part of language, euphemism is a familiar linguistic phenomenon in daily life as well as a socio cultural phenomenon in almost all societies. as rawson hugh puts it, #8220;and they are embedded so deeply in our language that few of us, even those who pride themselves on being plain-spoken, ever get through a day without using them #8221;. (raswon,1981). in the western world, the study of euphemism has a rather long history. in the early 80s of the sixteenth century, blunt george, a british writer, for the first time coined the word #8220;euphemism#8221; and defined it as a good or favorable interpretation of a bad word(carl,1980). afterwards, over the years many domestic and foreign scholars and linguists carry on a research to it from different angles which can be summed up in the following four parts:

1. studying the history of euphemism

in his book the american language, menken carried on quite a detailed discussion on how and why several hundred euphemisms came into being and became voguish, thus leaving behind a valuable legacy for euphemism study. (menken,1936) the year 1983 saw the publication of another classic on euphemism: kind words-a thesaurus of euphemism, compiled by american scholars j.s. neaman and c.g sliver (neaman,1985). in this book, the authors offered a detailed description of the origin, history, development and transmutation of euphemism.

4. 计划与进度安排

1. deciding topic stage: doing some research, finding some materials and knowing meanings of you topic. after some preparations, i have decided my paper topic: the study of contrast between english and chinese euphemism. then i should hand in my thesis topic.(2022.11.1-----2022.11.23)

2.thesis proposal planning stage: writing, handing and revising plans.(2022.12.1----2022.12.31)

3. draft stage: i should start preparing you thesis draft normatively, then hand in, wait for teacher#8217;s revise.(2022.1.19----2022.3.19)

5. 参考文献

[1]allan, k. amp; burridge, k. euphemism and dysphemism[m]. usa: oxford university press, 1991.

[2]carl, c. cutler. george blunt wendell: clipper ship master[m]. usa: kessinger legacy reprings,1980.

[3]leech, n. principles of pragmatics [m]. new york: longman group, 1983.