THE CULTURAL CONNOTATIONS OF FIGURATIVE EUPHEMISMS
Keywords:
Figurative euphemisms, cultural connotations, linguistic politeness, social taboos, pragmatic functions, intercultural communication, semantic shifts, language and culture, social norms, euphemistic languageAbstract
Figurative euphemisms, as a vital linguistic phenomenon, serve not only to soften unpleasant realities but also to reflect and shape cultural attitudes and values. This article investigates the cultural connotations embedded in figurative euphemisms, emphasizing their role as carriers of social norms, taboos, and collective beliefs. Through a qualitative content analysis of authentic English euphemistic expressions across various cultural domains such as death, bodily functions, and social status, this study reveals the deep interplay between language and culture. Findings demonstrate that figurative euphemisms function as culturally bound linguistic tools that both conceal and reveal underlying societal perceptions. This research contributes to the understanding of how euphemisms mediate communication within cultural contexts, offering insights relevant for linguists, cultural theorists, and language educators.
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