A Study of Euphemism in Journalism English

Written by: Zhu Xuefeng Supervised by: Qiang Hong

A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for

The Degree of Bachelor of English to

School of Foreign Languages Anhui Xinhua University

May, 2011

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Acknowledgements

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to my teacher, Luo Guoqiang, who gives me lots of help during my writing of this thesis.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my respected supervisor Qiang Hong for her time and efforts in revising improvement and for her abundant valuable knowledge on English language, without her help, this thesis would not come into being. Likewise, I would like to extend my thanks to Ms Guo Xiaoju, Mr. Kang Lian and all the teachers who had given help and advice for their interesting and enlightening courses have become the most memorable part of my study in the School of Foreign Languages of Xin Hua University.

In addition, I also want to express my gratitude to my family members and classmates for their selfless help and unfailing support to me during the whole course of my writing the present thesis.

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Abstract

Since 1970s, the biggest change for modern English, especially for American English, is the return of euphemism. This phenomenon is extremely obvious in journalism English. Euphemism is a common phenomenon in journalism, which always brings special effects to journalistic language. The main principles of news language are authentic, accurate and prompt. However, euphemism takes roundabout as its characteristic which shows the function of beautification, smoothness, and inflexion and so on. In fact, most euphemisms have great differences with directness. My thesis will make analysis of the reasons why euphemism is caused in journalism English, according to analyze the origin and definition of euphemism as well as the classification and functions of euphemism in journalism English.

In journalism English, euphemism transfers the intention of journalists as well as its social meaning and cultural connotation, and it is used to beautify or evade reality.

Keywords: euphemism; journalism; use

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新 闻 英 语 中 委 婉 语 的 使 用

摘 要

20世纪70年代以来，当代英语，尤其是美国英语最大变化之一是委婉语的使用再度成为时尚。这一现象在英语新闻中的表现尤为明显。委婉语是是新闻英语中非常普遍的现象。它的使用总可以给新闻带来独特的语言效果，是新闻英语中不可或缺的一部分。真实 ，准确，及时是新闻语言的最基本要求。然而，委婉语以闪避为主要目的，表现出的是礼貌闪避和文明教养。委婉语具有对直言加以美化，弱化，曲折化的作用，许多委婉语在外延内涵上与直言差异很大。本论文主要从新闻英语中委婉语的使用及其它的分类和功能来分析新闻英语中委婉语产生的原因。

新闻英语中委婉语所表达的不仅仅是作者的意图，还可能传递社会意义和文化内涵。它被用来美化现实或者回避禁忌。

关键词：委婉语；新闻英语；使用

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