摘要：外事用语具有自己独特的特点，同时也能够起到其他意想不到的作用。外事用语是正式的、保守的、有说服力的、谨慎的和礼貌的。它是一种复合的语言。它可以使不同文化背景的人相互理解，也可以使得合作双方在友好的气氛下促进进一步的合作。通常英语委婉语在外事用语中被广泛地应用，本文将采用定性分析的方法对外事用语中英语委婉语的表达进行分析，并且阐述外事用语中英语委婉语的表达特点及使用原则。本文试将从遵循原则的角度论述恰当使用英语委婉语的重要性。

关键词：英语委婉语；功能特点；合作原则；礼貌原则

Abstract ：The language in foreign affairs has its own unique characteristics, whereas it plays other unexpected functions. The expressions of foreign affairs are a formal, conservative, persuasive, cautious and polite language. It is a synthetic language, which helps people with a variety of cultural backgrounds to promote mutual understanding, and it also makes both sides promote further cooperation in a friendly atmosphere. English euphemism is widely used in foreign affairs. In this paper we will adopt the qualitative approach and analyze the use of English euphemism in foreign affairs. And this paper will also discuss the features and the principles of English euphemism in foreign affairs. From the perspective of the principles to abide by, this article tries to probe into the proper use of the English euphemism in the foreign affairs as well.

Key words: English euphemism; functions; cooperative principle; politeness principle

Contents

摘 要.. i

Abstract.ii

I. Introduction1

II. Features of English Euphemism in Foreign Affairs2

2.1 The Character of Timeliness.2

2.2 The Character of Nationality.3

2.3 The Character of Humor3

2.4 The Character of Regionalism.4

III. Functions of English Euphemism in Foreign Affairs4

3.1 Function of Taboo..4

3.2 Function of Avoiding Vulgar to Elegant6

3.3 Function of Beautification6

IV. Principles of English Euphemism in Foreign Affairs..7

4.1 The Cooperative Principle.7

4.2 The Politeness Principle...9

V. Conclusion..11

Bibliography..13

Acknowledgments..14

English Euphemism in Foreign Affairs

I. Introduction

Euphemism is a general linguistic phenomenon in the global culture. It plays an important part in human communication. The origin of euphemism is beginning with Greek word euphemism. The meaning of the word prefix is good, and the root euphemism means speech. The translation literally means “to speak with good words”. (Huang 8) Euphemism is obscure, twists and turns, thoughtful and intriguing. Euphemism in foreign affairs is an art and a formal, careful and precise persuasive language. It is a substitution of pleasant tactful and polite expression for unpleasant or embarrassing one to achieve the best expression effects of communication according to a certain context. And it pays attention to the politeness and strategy methods. It is a significant part of the language in foreign affairs. It not only relates to discussing personal privacy, and but also directly involved in the inconvenience of state affairs. It explains the variety of language features fully. “In English, the use of euphemistic expressions can be traced back to at least the 7th century when the Anglo-Saxons, ancestors of the British people, were Christianized.” (Huang 8) The English euphemistic expressions are a universal linguistic and significant part in the English language. It is a cultural phenomenon in human society. “They refer to a way that is expressed by the application of the communicational language.” (Huang 9) Upon most occasions, the English euphemistic expressions not only cover unhappy, uncomfortable and even cruel realities but also hide embarrassing, disrespectful or face-threatening things, thus functioning as a sort of “lubricating oil” in language communication. The English euphemistic expressions are essential for people to make social communication successful. It can also improve the relationship between the two sides. “They are embedded so deeply in our language that few of us，even those who pride themselves on being plain spoken, ever get through had a day without using them.” (Rawson 11)