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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