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Truong Thi Thanh Thuy
Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
EUPHEMISM IN ENGLISH AND VIETNAMESE Abstract
The report on euphemisms emphasizes that euphemisms are indirect, ambiguous expressions used to replace direct expressions that may cause offense, disrespect, or discomfort to listeners. The use of euphemisms can mitigate negative emotions and enhance politeness in everyday communication. The author employs three research methods: interpretation, classification, and description to analyze euphemisms. Interpretation helps the author access existing theories to understand the nature of euphemisms more deeply. Classification is used to gather data and investigate practical aspects of euphemism usage. Finally, a description is employed to analyze and compare the research findings. The study compares the expression of euphemisms in English and Vietnamese in daily communication. It highlights similarities and differences in the forms of euphemisms in these two languages, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of euphemism usage for more effective communication in specific contexts. The study aims to offer new insights into euphemisms and support English teaching, learning, translation, and interpretation activities.
Keywords:
euphemisms, daily communication, emotion, politeness.
1. Introduction
Language, the invaluable treasure of humanity, reflects the objective reality of the world as perceived by humans. It is humans who play the decisive role in creating and developing language. Over many decades, humans have continuously added new concepts to enrich and enhance the language they use. The concept of euphemism is becoming increasingly familiar in daily communication. The term "euphemism" originates from the Greek language in the 16th century. "Euphemismos" comes from "Euphemizein," eu (well) and -pheme (speaking), meaning to speak well and is defined as a mild expression, less direct than coarse or blunt terms when referring to unpleasant or embarrassing matters. Until now, euphemism has been defined more subtly and with more social nuances. Modern dictionaries define euphemism as the replacement of a harsh or direct word with a milder, more genteel one, or as a polite word or expression used when discussing uncomfortable, awkward topics such as death or gender issues. Therefore, the concept of euphemism can be summarized as follows: Euphemism is a fixed word or expression rephrased to convey a more appropriate, delicate, and aesthetically pleasing meaning from existing content. Euphemism is also speech used in situations or texts requiring polite, refined communication, rich in cultural knowledge, related to beauty, and the perfection of language usage.
Aware of the merits and beauty of euphemisms, the author aims to provide a comparison of how euphemisms are expressed in English and Vietnamese in daily communication through this study. This comparison is intended to give readers a comprehensive view of euphemisms in both languages, enabling more effective use to achieve individual communication goals. To complete the paper, the author employs three research methods: translation, categorization, and description. The translation method helps the author access existing theories and propositions as foundational arguments to analyze the nature of euphemisms (qualitative analysis). Using the categorization method, the author investigates and surveys data to identify practical aspects of euphemism usage (quantitative analysis). Through the description method, the author creates tables to analyze, compare, and discuss the findings.
HAyHHbIM WyPHAfl « IN SITU »
ISSN (p) 2411-7161 / ISSN (e) 2712-9500
№6 / 2024
2. Content
Euphemism is defined as linguistic constructs that rephrase and express meanings in a delicate, aesthetically pleasing manner, ensuring principles of politeness in communication. In everyday communication, the forms of expression of euphemisms in English and Vietnamese are highly diverse. Below, the author presents a comparison of the forms of expression of euphemisms in these two languages.
2.1. Forms of expression of euphemisms in English and Vietnamese in daily communication
In examining 200 euphemisms in English and Vietnamese used in daily communication, we compiled the following table summarizing the frequency and forms of construction.
Language Word Phrase Sentence Tense-Form Total
No. Ratio No. Ratio No. Ratio No. Ratio No. Ratio
English 102 51% 84 42% 10 5% 4 2% 200 100%
Vietnamese 60 30% 132 66% 8 4% 0 0 200 100%
2.1.1. Word euphemisms
This type of euphemism is quite prevalent in both English and Vietnamese daily communication. Euphemisms constructed as a single word can sometimes be a single term (a single element), but often they are compound words (constructed from two or more elements), and occasionally they may involve various forms.
2.1.1.1. Single-word euphemisms
This section describes how euphemisms in both languages are often condensed into single-word forms, showcasing various examples where a polite or indirect term replaces a more direct or harsh one in everyday communication. In English, this includes terms such as "sleep" (for "die"), "period" (for "menstruation"), "counsel" (for "lawyer"), "casket" (for "coffin")... However, through our survey, we observed that single-word euphemisms in Vietnamese are not as common compared to English. They predominantly appear in contexts related to death or sexual relations. This observation highlights that while English often employs single-word euphemisms across various topics in daily communication, Vietnamese tends to use them more selectively, particularly in sensitive or culturally nuanced contexts such as mortality or sexuality.
2.1.1.2. Compound word euphemisms
Compound words are widely used in English and represent a characteristic advantage of the English language. These compounds can be nouns, or adjectives, such as "sanitary engineer" (for "dustman"), and "hearing-impaired" (for "deaf") ... Additionally, there are some special cases where euphemisms are constructed in specific ways:
+ Adding negative prefixes like "non-" or "un-" before nouns or adjectives to create euphemisms, such as "unwise" (for "stupid"), and "non-person" (for "prisoner").
+ Creating gerunds from verbs by adding "-ing" to avoid direct terms, like "treating" (for "bribery").
+ Using adjectives as nouns in plural form, such as "greens" (for "virgin girls").
+ Using prepositions like "in" or "on" as adjectives to describe a condition, such as "to be on" (for "to be pregnant"), and "to be in" (for "to be imprisoned").
In Vietnamese, euphemisms often appear more frequently as compound words rather than single words. These compound words can function as nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
This comparison highlights the structural differences in how euphemisms are formed and utilized in English and Vietnamese, emphasizing the diversity and adaptability of each language in expressing sensitive or indirect concepts in daily communication.
2.1.2. Phrase euphemisms
This form is widely prevalent in both English and Vietnamese. Perhaps phrases are the most convenient means of constructing euphemisms in Vietnamese. Expressions that involve object displacement in euphemisms are formed by a diverse and rich variety of phrases, including noun phrases, verb phrases, and adjective phrases. In English, euphemisms can also be constructed using prepositional phrases.
2.1.2.1. Noun phrase euphemisms
In English, many object displacement expressions are noun phrases, such as "wrong of the time" (for "menstruation"), and "The Ministry of Defence" (for "The Ministry of War"). In Vietnamese, euphemisms as noun phrases are primarily constructed to replace the names of delicate issues or the names of certain professions that are less esteemed in society.
This section compares how euphemisms are structured as phrases in both languages, emphasizing their flexibility and variety in expressing sensitive topics or professions in daily communication.
2.1.2.2. Verb phrase euphemisms
In English, expressions are often formed using verb phrases, such as "go somewhere" (for "go to the toilet"), "turn out upon the sheets" (for "become a prostitute"), and "go to heaven" (for "die"). In Vietnamese, euphemisms as verb phrases are commonly used to replace actions of a delicate nature, such as sexual activities or death, aiming to make the expression more polite and refined.
This section illustrates how euphemisms in both languages utilize verb phrases to delicately convey actions or concepts that might otherwise be considered sensitive or direct in daily communication.
2.1.2.3. Adjective phrase euphemisms
In English, it is common to use adjective phrases in euphemisms, such as "not very bright" (for "stupid"), and "written out of the script" (for "dismissed from employment"). In Vietnamese, euphemisms as adjective phrases are constructed to replace descriptive adjectives related to abnormal qualities, or discomfort, or to avoid touching on sensitive issues or causing pain to others.
This section highlights how both languages utilize adjective phrases in euphemisms to delicately describe characteristics or states that might otherwise be perceived negatively or cause discomfort in interpersonal communication.
2.1.2.4. Prepositional phrase euphemisms
This form is particularly distinctive and exists primarily in English, not in Vietnamese. English euphemisms often employ prepositional phrases, such as "off the voting list" (for "die"), and "in nature's garb" (for "naked").
This section underscores how English uses prepositional phrases in euphemisms to describe sensitive or direct concepts more indirectly and politely, which is not typically mirrored in Vietnamese euphemistic expressions.
2.1.2.5. Full sentence euphemisms
This form, characterized by circumlocution and avoidance through subtle sentences in daily communication, is quite common and familiar.
Example: "He's behaving really strange; he should be in an institution." instead of "He is mad."
Example: "He's not interested in the opposite sex." instead of "He is gay."
In addition to the above forms of construction, English also uses the tense or passive voice to express euphemisms.
Example: "He has been known to take a bribe now and then" instead of "He takes a bribe now and
then."
This section illustrates how euphemisms in English are structured into full sentences, often employing indirect or subtle language to convey sensitive topics more politely or tactfully, which is a common practice in everyday communication.
НАУЧНЫЙ ЖУРНАЛ « IN SITU »
ISSN (p) 2411-7161 / ISSN (e) 2712-9500
№6 / 2024
Regarding Vietnamese, euphemisms in the form of full sentences, equivalent to clauses, are less common. Only in certain dialogues, when there is disagreement with someone else, speakers might avoid touching on personal pride or discomfort by using subtle expressions. From there, they strategically aim to persuade listeners and create a more comfortable atmosphere.
2.2. Similarities and differences in the forms of expression of euphemisms in English and Vietnamese
Euphemisms in both English and Vietnamese serve to indirectly refer to their subjects. These expressions replace other forms of language that are considered too direct, blunt, or impolite.
However, the difference in linguistic structure between English and Vietnamese leads to variations in how euphemisms are constructed. When euphemisms are single words, English has an advantage due to its ability to morph and combine words to create new meanings. English is a highly inflected language where words can be altered and combined flexibly. On the other hand, Vietnamese is an isolating language without such mechanisms for word formation. Using a single word often fails to convey the full indirect or subtle meaning intended by euphemisms, especially those with nuances of indirect reference.
As a result, Vietnamese tends to rely more on phrases rather than single words for euphemistic expressions. This difference in linguistic structure contributes to differences in the quantity and structure of euphemistic expressions: English uses more single-word euphemisms compared to Vietnamese, while Vietnamese employs more phrases than English.
This structural difference influences how euphemisms are utilized and perceived in each language, affecting their effectiveness and cultural nuances in everyday communication.
Especially, in English, there exist euphemisms constructed with prepositional phrases that Vietnamese does not have, instead using other types of phrase constructions. For example, in English, phrases like "in bed" or "overnight" are used, whereas in Vietnamese, verbs like "len gitfang" (get into bed) or "qua dem" (overnight) are employed. Additionally, in some cases, English utilizes tense forms or passive voice to create nuances of euphemism, which Vietnamese lacks. This explains the difference in the number of euphemisms formed by a single sentence in Vietnamese compared to English.
3. Conclusion
Through the analysis and comparison of the characteristics of euphemistic expressions in English and Vietnamese in everyday communication, this article has identified some similarities and differences in their forms of expression. The main similarities stem from the common purpose of using euphemisms to convey emotions and maintain politeness, goals shared by English speakers, Vietnamese speakers, and others worldwide. The differences arise from the distinct linguistic features that shape the construction of euphemisms, leading to variations in how indirect expressions are formed. By exploring the forms of euphemistic expression in everyday communication, the author aims to contribute a new perspective and approach to enhancing communication effectiveness, particularly in teaching and learning English as a foreign language, as well as supporting translation and interpretation tasks between English and Vietnamese. References
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3. Dinh Trong Lac. (1999). Vietnamese learning style. Hanoi: Education Publishing House.
4. Enright, D.J. (1985). Fair of speed: The uses of Euphemism. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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©Truong Thi Thanh Thuy, 2024
