Abstract
Euphemisms are advantageous in people’s social life by turning sensitive into a more acceptable ones so that resentful feelings and embarrassment can be avoided. This study investigates the ability of Iraqi English learners in using euphemistic expressions, meanwhile, raising their awareness and the faculty members in English teaching faculties regarding the relevance of discussing the topics that demand euphemisation. This study comprised three stages: initial test, explicit instruction with activities, and a final test for the students’ development in this domain. A test has been distributed among 50 respondents, who are at the fourth year of their undergraduate study at the University of Babylon/ College of Basic Education. The low rate of producing and recognising euphemisms in the first stage of the study, it is concluded that Iraqi students that the course design in the foreign context is inadequate. After consistent training during the second stage, students have shown significant development in mastering these expressions.
Highlights
Euphemism is a universal phenomenon referring to the substitution of a word that is considered somehow harsh or probably insulting with a more indirect one
It passes through three stages: firstly, a test will be distributed among the students to evaluate their knowledge in the recognition and usage of euphemistic expressions; secondly, an explicit instruction has been provided for the usage of euphemisms and thirdly, another test has been distributed in the form of comic cartoons to provide a full context for the expressions requested to be substituted
We should note that these responses were graded according to the meaning of euphemised expressions provided in euphemism dictionary as well as by English language tutors at the University of Salford
Summary
Euphemism is a universal phenomenon referring to the substitution of a word that is considered somehow harsh or probably insulting with a more indirect one. It is suggested that when a disrespectful topic is discussed, it is likely that partners have two motives in describing it euphemistically: minimising the negative impacts on their addresses and maintain their addressee’s negative face and simultaneously preserving theirs (Allan and Burridge, 1991) These two motives are closely related, they are, distinct at the same time. Iraqis usage of euphemisms whether in their daily life communication in their native language or in English as a foreign language has not been granted this attention In this concern, this study seeks to examine whether Iraqi learners of English as a foreign language are aware of the strategies of producing and perceiving these expressions. It raises the awareness in the students for the necessity of learning these strategies and at the same time in the academic staff members at Iraqi universities for the critical demands of incorporating this field into their curriculum
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