Why should English learners know English euphemistic expressions?
Diskusi 11 Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching
Why should English learners know English euphemistic expressions?
Answer:
According to Allan and Burridge (1991), a euphemism is an expression intended by the speaker to be less distracting, distracting, or disturbing to the listener than the word or phrase it modifies. Meanhwile, Wardhaugh (2010) state that euphemism is a way of talking about something in a more indirect way, often to avoid saying something that is considered to be taboo or offensive.
So, euphemisms can be used in a variety of contexts, including in everyday speech, in the media, and in political, economic, and sports discourse. They can be used to make something seem less negative, to avoid offending someone, or just to be more polite.
Why should English learners know English euphemistic expressions?
According to Fitriani et al (2019), English learners should know English euphemistic expressions because some reason as follows:
- Because they are commonly used in everyday communication, especially in formal settings such as business, politics, and education.
- It can help learners avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively with native speakers.
- Euphemisms are often used to discuss sensitive or taboo topics, such as death, illness, and sexuality, so learners who are not familiar with these expressions may find it difficult to understand or participate in conversations on these topics.
- And finally, knowledge of euphemisms can also help learners develop their language skills and cultural awareness, as euphemisms are often closely tied to cultural values and beliefs.
Meanwhile, according to Wardaugh (2010), English learners must know English euphemistic expressions because they are often used in everyday conversation. So, euphemism is an indirect or vague way of saying something that might be considered offensive or taboo. For example, instead of saying "he died," someone might say "he died." Knowing how to use euphemisms can help English learners avoid offending others and make them sound more natural in their conversations.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why English learners should know English euphemistic expressions, as follows:
- Avoid being offensive. Euphemisms are often used to avoid saying something that might be considered offensive (taboo). For example, do not say "he died," but we can say "he passed away."
- Be more polite. Euphemisms can also be used to be more polite based on social culture, region, and religion. For example, do not say "You’re an old teacher," but we can say "You’re a senior teacher."
- Be more indirect. It can also be used to be more indirect. For example, do not say "I don't like your new haircut," but we can say "I'm not sure if I'm a fan of your new haircut."
- Be more creative. It can also be used to be more creative. For example, do not say "he's lying," but we can say "he's not telling the truth."
In short, English learners can improve their communication skills and avoid offending others by learning euphemistic expressions. Euphemisms are indirect or less offensive ways of saying something. They can be used to be more polite, respectful, and appropriate in different social, cultural, moral, regional, and religious contexts.
References:
- Allan, Keith and Burridge. 1991. Euphemism & Dysphemism Language Used as Shield and Weapon. Oxford: Oxford University.
- Fitriani, M., Syarif, H., & Wahyuni, D. (2019). Euphemism Used by Men and Women in 'Indonesia Lawyers Club' TV ONE Show: A Language and Gender Perspective. https://homeejournal.unpad.ac.id/index.php/home/article/view/103269
- Wardhaugh, Ronald. 2010. An Introduction to Sociolinguistics 6th Ed. Oxford: Wiley- Blackwell.