On The Tactful Application Of Euphemism

Euphemism is a common language phenomenon which happens with a high frequency in our daily lives. It helps to oil the human relationship in communication. Scholars both abroad and domestic contributed a lot to the study of euphemism (Hugh Rawson, 1981; Neaman and Silver,1983; Enright, 1985; Allan and Burridge, 1991; Ayto,1993; Chen Wangdao, 1979; Chen Yuan, 1983; Shu Dingfang, 1989; Wu Tieping, 1999; Liu Chunbao, 2001). Their studies mainly focus on the definition, formation, classification, function, principles and dictionary compiling. So far, achievements on tact study have been conspicuous (Aristotle; Leech, 1983; Max Van Manen, 1991; Lyons, 1995; Kong Yingda; Wang Xijie, 1996; Suo Zhenyu, 2000; Shi Xiuju, 2004) . Studies on tact mainly focus on: (1) Tact should be studied within certain context; (2) Being tactful is sure to be polite; (3) Tact is the ultimate goal of the communication. Though certain progress has been made with the study on euphemism and tact, study on the tactful application of euphemism is still very limited (Tian Jiusheng, 2001; Wu Dingfang, 2004)Inspired by the preceding achievements made, this thesis intends to make a tentative study on how to apply euphemism tactfully from the pragmatic perspective. The following questions are developed to clarify the purpose of the study:1. Has politeness positive correlation with tact?2. How can the context influence the tactful application of euphemism?The results of the study indicate: (1) Being polite is not bound to be tactful. Only when the literal politeness is congruent with the actual politeness can euphemisms be tactful in application. (2) The context composed of participants, setting, purpose, channel and topic restricts the tactful application of euphemism. (3)The politeness and the context are the necessary conditions of the tactful application of euphemism. Neither of them can be omitted.This study makes a tentative study on how to apply euphemism tactfully from the pragmatic perspective, so as to help the communicator apply euphemisms tactfully in communication and avoid the pragmatic failure.