Abstract：Euphemism is a common language phenomenon. Different scholars have different definitions of euphemism and there are many aspects of euphemism. Euphemism contains different kinds of topics that people are reluctant to talk about directly and plays a significant role in conversations. This thesis uses the death euphemisms in religion as a breakthrough point and is intended to find out the similarities and differences between the two languages - Chinese and English. Chinese death euphemisms in religion mainly come from Taoism and Buddhism while English death euphemisms in religion mainly come from Christianity. By comparing the death euphemisms in Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity, the thesis explores major similarities of Chinese and English death euphemism in religion from two aspects. One is that both Chinese and English use nonfigurative symbols in death euphemisms in religion. The other is that words or phrases with verbs are both used in the two discussed languages. There are two major differences in religious death euphemisms in Chinese and English. First, death euphemisms in religion of the two languages have different target users. Second, there are different sources of different death euphemisms in religion. The thesis intends to give people a basic and specific picture of death euphemisms in religion.

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Keywords: death euphemisms; similarities and differences; Taoism; Buddhism; Christianity

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

3. Death Euphemism-2

3.1 The Definition of Death Euphemism-2

3.2 The Origins of Death Euphemism-3

4. Death Euphemisms in Major Religions-6

4.1 Death Euphemisms in Taoism and Buddhism-6

4.2 Death Euphemisms in Christianity-8

5. The Major Similarities of Chinese and English Death Euphemisms in Religion-8

5.1 Using Nonfigurative Symbols-8

5.2 Using Words or Phrases of Verbs to Describe Death-9

6. The Major Differences between Chinese and English Death Euphemisms in Religion-10

6.1 Different Target Users of Language-10

6.2 Different Sources of Death Euphemisms in Religion-10

7. Conclusion-11

Works Cited-13