Euphemism And Dysphemism: An Analysis With Prototype Theory

In the traditional view, euphemism acts as one of the typical rhetorical devices. However, from the perspective of Cognitive Linguistics, euphemism is a mode of thought, which plays an irreplaceable role in people’s daily life. Euphemism has already been studied from the perspectives of Rhetoric, Semantics, Pragmatics, Sociolinguistics and Psychology. Under normal circumstances, euphemisms are such expressions that are used to substitute the blunt and harsh expressions with mild and roundabout forms, in order to gain the euphemistic communicating effects and assure the smoothness of communication. However, in fact, not all the periphrastic and indirect expressions can achieve the effect of pleasing the hearers or securing a smooth communication. In English, kick the bucket is said to be one of the frequently used euphemisms for die. However, it is easy to find out that this phrase is not that euphemistic or pleasant. If people use it to describe others’ death, it may bring about the disrespect and disparagement. Some scholars, even in some authoritative works, put kick the bucket into the category of euphemism; however, some other scholars believe that in accordance with the communicating effects, it is a kind of dysphemism(the antonym of euphemism). Strictly speaking, it is not a pure euphemism or dysphemism, and it may achieve different effects in different contexts; thus, it is proper to call the uncertain communicating effects X. In fact, there are abundant words or phrases involved in these controversial arguments. Are all euphemistic expressions pure euphemisms? Are all dysphemisms really dysphemistic? What is the relationship between euphemism and dysphemism? Instead of using the traditional theory of categorization, the present thesis attempts to analyze euphemism and dysphemism with Prototype Theory from the perspective of Cognitive Linguistics.Through detailed analysis, a certain tentative research conclusion has been made in this thesis. That is, euphemism and dysphemism are not surely in two separate categories. Through the careful consideration of the context and the speakers or hearers’ personal factors, we can see that the boundary line between euphemism and dysphemism is not always clear-cut. Without any exaggeration, there exists a euphemism-dysphemism continuum instead, which can be appropriately analyzed with Prototype Theory. This continuum includes four parts: euphemism, dysphemism, dysphemistic euphemism and euphemistic dysphemism. Specifically speaking, in order to avoid embarrassing or hurting others, people would like to choose euphemistic expressions, but some of them are not real euphemisms,which can be called dysphemisms or at best dysphemistic euphemisms. Sometimes, people want to indirectly offend and insult others, they may choose some pleasant-sounding dysphemistic expressions, which can be called euphemistic dysphemisms. The thesis provides plentiful examples of these two forms: dysphemistic euphemism and euphemistic dysphemism. In addition, the continuum is not only embodied in verbal euphemisms and dysphemisms, but non-verbal forms as well. It is quite essential for us to realize the importance of the correct use of euphemisms and dysphemisms, as it can contribute to the smoothness and success of the communication.