A Cognitive-pragmatic Study Of English Euphemism In Downton Abbey (Season ?)Based On The Relevance Theory

Euphemism refers to trying to speak witih implied ways to express oneself,which is a particular means in communication.English euphemism includes some particular body gestures and some specific forms,which may be adopted in some particular communicating circumstances,as well as some words,phrases and sentences.Speakers and listeners sometimes utilize English euphemism to cover up some unpleasant or scary truths.Besides,the speakers who want to preserve their faces in communication and those who are in the face of awkward moments may use English Euphemism.Thus,euphemism is a significant means for people to communicate,which is widely used in everyday activities of society.Using English euphemism in communication enables people to harmonize their interpersonal relationships to keep them concordant with each other.It also promotes the communication impacts and has attracted the interests of researchers for a long time.It has been investigated by linguistic scholars from various aspects,lexicology,semantics,pragmatics,syntax,cognitive linguistics,sociolinguistics and so on.Meaningful results have been achieved and several bases have been put forward for further investigation.The questions in the thesis,including "How does the speaker produce euphemisms?","How does the listener understand euphemisms?" and "What leads to the failure of euphemistic communication?" are replied based on the Relevance Theory.The means of investigation adopted in this thesis is analysis of cases.In details,the English drama called Downton Abbey(Season 1)is served as the object of analysis.From the sides of both speaker and hearer,Relevance Theory offers a more comprehensive and better account of euphemisms than what the traditional views on euphemisms have expressed.According to the research,speakers create alternative relevance by looking for optimal relevance and relevance under contextual effect.Listeners understand euphemisms through identifying the relevant premise and then locating the relevant conclusion.The reasons that cause the failure in understanding euphemism are checkered cognitive environment and the inability to establish potential relevance.It is of great significance to investigate euphemisms in Downton Abbey(Season 1)based on the Relevance Theory.Firstly,the research on euphemism can be enriched.Secondly,the application range of the Relevance Theory can be widened.Thirdly,the Relevance-theoretic study of euphemism is conducive to a better appreciation of Downton Abbey(Season 1).Additionally,the research can provide new reference for the research on TV dramas.