The use of euphemisms in public speeches of the US politicians

Abstract

The subject of this research is the role of euphemisms in political communication. The goal of this article is to establish the functional role of euphemisms in public speeches of the US politicians based on the texts of speeches for the period 2020 – 2021. Research methodology relies on the provisions of linguorhetoric, namely the functional role of lexicon within the framework of a particular speech genre. The article employs the general scientific method, systematization and generalization, content analysis, discursive analysis, method of continuous sampling, and linguostylistic analysis. It is determined that the use of euphemisms in speeches of the IS politicians for the period 2020 – 2021 performs the following functions: manipulative, veiling the reality, self-positioning. In public speech, the important factors are politeness and delicacy for maintaining and promoting communication. It is noted that politics is the sphere that requires using a variety of euphemisms. The mechanisms of euphemization are based on the inaccuracy of speech, ambiguity, and generalized nomination of the object. Practical importance of this research consists in the fact that its results can be implemented in rhetoric courses, as well as in preparation of public speeches. The scientific novelty lies in establishment of the functional role of euphemistic nominations based on public speeches of the US politicians for 2021.