Politeness And Impoliteness: A Study On Euphemism And Taboo In Ulysses

Euphemism and taboo are closely related to each other. In this thesis we examine the use of euphemisms and taboo words in Ulysses, some of which has given rise to much controversy. The thesis consists of six chapters.Chapter 1 includes the definition and classification of euphemism, Face Theory, Cooperative Principles and Politeness which are suggested to explain the use of euphemism, the definition of taboo and the relation between euphemism and taboo.Chapter 2 gives an introduction of the novel and a brief explanation of the euphemisms and taboo words employed in the novel.Chapter 3 discusses the polite use of euphemisms and taboo words in the novel. Brown and Levinson's model of politeness is used to explain the use of euphemisms in Ulysses. It shows in the novel that women seem to be more polite than men, but men tend to be more polite in the presence of women than they are with each other. Taboos are not necessarily taken to be impolite. They are used among close friends as mark of solidarity, to show affection to friends and relatives, to achieve intimacy between lovers, and for jocular purposes in dirty jokes.Chapter 4 examines the neutral use of euphemisms and taboo words. The neutral use of euphemisms covers those in narration of the author which is the imitation of other fictions, writers, etc., and those in interior monologue of characters which we believe has become automised through recurring linguistic routines. If the speaker chooses to speak in a straightforward way, we assume their use of taboos to be neutral as they not used to show politeness to others.Chapter 5 deals with the impolite use of euphemisms and taboo words. If a topic is a taboo at the social-cultural level, the description or writing about the topic through language, even if through euphemisms, will also be considered a linguistic taboo. Politeness and impoliteness are matters of degree rather than absolutes; euphemisms which are polite to someone may be impolite to others. Because of the nature of taboos, they are used in conversation and interior monologue to attack, insult, or give vent to negative...