浅谈英语委婉语的分类、构成方式及社会功能((4)
2016-09-30 01:02
导读：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 a
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.
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.
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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:
(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:
