从心理特征看言语委婉的根源

委婉是东西方语言和文化的共性 ,其产生的因素是多方面的。本文从心理特征入手 ,分析言语委婉的根源 ,探讨委婉产生的四个心理因素 :(1)要“面子” ;(2 )波莉安娜心理———倾向于谈论和接受事物乐观令人愉悦的一面 ;(3)心理联想 ;(4)迷信语言的魔力。如果将委婉分为三类 :(1)语义扬升和降格 ;(2 )婉言曲语 ;(3)代替禁忌语 ;那么其产生的根源分别是 :要“面子”导致语义扬升和降格 ,波莉安娜心理导致婉言曲语 ,心理联想和对语言魔力的迷信导致语言禁忌 ,进而产生代替禁忌语的委婉语

An Analysis on the Origin of Euphemism in Terms of Psychological Traits

Euphemism is a common phenomenon in both Eastern and Western languages and cultures. Many factors may lead to the use of euphemism. And this paper means to analyze the origin of euphemism in terms of psychological factors. Four perspectives of psychological factors are discussed in the paper. They are (i) to save "face", (ii) Pollyanna psychological trait-to tend to talk about and accept the optimistic and pleasant side, (iii) psychological association, (iv) superstitious belief. If euphemism should be divided into three categories-(a) pejorative or ameliorative terms, (b) understatement, (c) substitutes for taboos, their psychological causes are respectively: (i) for (a), (ii) for (b) and (iii) or (iv) for (c).