[Abstract] As an indispensable and natural part of English l(3)
2013-08-17 01:11
导读：3.3.2Using uplifting words Uplifting words can make one feel happier or more hopeful so they are used quite frequently in modern English as an important means to euphemize things related to the humble
3.3.2Using uplifting words
Uplifting words can make one feel happier or more hopeful so they are used quite frequently in modern English as an important means to euphemize things related to the humble social class. The main purpose of using these euphemisms is to make menial jobs sound decent. For example, people replace “waiters” or “waitresses” by “the dining room attendants”, “landscape worker” by “landscape architect”, “garbage man” by “sanitary engineer”, and substitute “butcher” with “meat technologist”. Generally speaking, in forming euphemism the rule of using words that are easy on the ears is observed for the purpose of consolation. Through using uplifting words, the embarrassing facts are embellished and no longer unpleasant.
33.3Using vague words or expressions
In modern western countries, vague words or expressions are used in almost all the fields. “If a neighboring girl has a child before marriage, people will comment like this: ‘She has an accident.’ The word ‘accident’ is very vague. If a person came across a disaster and died, people will also use ‘accident’ to describe his situation. They may say: ‘He has met with an accident.’” [12]In school a student may say to a teacher: “Sorry! I have to do my business” when he wants to go to the washing room. Besides, “a man of bad taste” is called “a man of doubtful taste”; and “homosexual” is replaced by “queer”. “It is no wonder that euphemism is named weasel words.”[13]
3.3.4 Using country names
Names of some countries are used to substitute uncomfortable things. For example, “Dutch courage” replaces “weak courage”, that is, courage that comes from drinking alcohol; and “Dutch uncle” is for “unpleasant relative”. We all know that there was a war between Britain and Dutch in 17th century. From then on, hatred existed among people in these two nations. And Englishmen used every chance to make joke of Dutch. Besides Dutch, France is also used to form euphemisms like “French novels” for “porn novels” and “French letters” for “condom”. And people use “French devices/methods” or simply “Frenchise” to replace methods of birth control. People in Britain banter French because they were once ruled by it.
（科教范文网 fw.nseac.com编辑发布）
3.4 Grammatical devices
More and more linguists become to notice euphemisms formed through grammatical devices. Such euphemisms are used by speakers with a certain purpose. Only through the context, can listeners figure out speakers’ special intention.
3.4.1 Using the past tense
In written English the past tense is mostly used to express an action or a fact happened in a certain point of time in the past. But in oral English, the past tense can replace the present tense to make the meaning of the sentences sounds more polite and mild.
(1) Do you want me to help you?
(2) Did you want me to help you?
(3) I wonder if you can do me a favor.
(4) I wondered if you could do me a favor.
Sentences (1) and (3) use the present tense and sentences (2) and (4) use the past tense, and they are all grammatically right. But sentences (2) and (4) sound more pleasant, for they mean that what the speakers say happened in the past, so the listeners will not feel embarrassed if they have different answers from the speakers’ at the time being.
(5) Wouldn’t it be better for us to start off a little earlier tomorrow?
(6) This is something I should advise you not to do.
By using the past tense of model auxiliary verbs, the above sentences put forward a polite proposal instead of a harsh one.
3.4.2 Using the subjunctive mood
The subjunctive mood in English is mainly used to express doubt, wishes, or possibility. When used in spoken English, one can achieve a better communication effect than with indicative mood or imperative mood. Here are some examples:
(7) If I were you, I would not go there.
(8) If he be found guilty, his membership would be suspended.
(9) It is essential that he recognize his fault.
3.4.3 Using the passive voice
In English, the passive voice is used to avoid mentioning the doer, especially when expressing criticism. Here are two examples:
（科教范文网 lw.nseaC.Com编辑发布） (10) It is generally considered not acceptable to act that way.
(11) This book was not well written.
In sentence (10), the passive voice is tactfully used not to indicate who acts that way. In sentence (11), the speaker does not mention who is the writer in order not to hurt the person concerned.
3.4.4 Using parentheses
Parentheses are also used to form euphemisms. And a parenthesis can be a word, a phrase or a sentence, such as, “I think”, “I guess”, “I’m afraid”, “I suppose”, “I wonder”, “it seems”, and “it is said”. They are used to make a statement less direct or less strong. Here are some examples:
