問題詳情

A euphemism (from the Greek words eu - well and pheme - speak) is a word or expression that is used when people want to find a polite or less direct way of talking about difficult or embarrassing topics like death or the bodily functions. Most people, for example, would find it very difficult to say in plain language that they have arranged for their sick old dog to be killed. They would soften the pain by saying: We had Ruby put down or We had Ruby put to sleep. Many people prefer to call someone plain than ugly, or cuddly rather than fat. As such, euphemisms are an important part of every language, but it seems that English has an ever-growing number of them. The non-native speaker not only has to make sense of the euphemisms he hears, he also has to learn which euphemisms are appropriate in any particular situation. He might be aware that his American friend needs to use the toilet when she asks where the bathroom (or restroom, or comfort station) is, but he is less likely to guess that his English friend has the same need when he says he has to see a man about a dog. He might have learned, for example, that in the family way is a euphemism for pregnant. If, however, he says to his boss, “Congratulations! I hear your wife is in the family way.” he would be using an expression that is too familiar for the circumstances.Schools are full of euphemisms. At Frankfurt International School, for example, the special lessons given to students who are having difficulties in their school subjects are called Study Center (in the middle school) and Academic Workshop (in the high school). Teachers rightly do not want to upset students or parents by being too frank or straightforward, and usually choose a softer word or expression to convey the same message. For this reason, school reports often contain euphemisms such as: He is not working to his full potential or He has a rather relaxed attitude to his work (= he is lazy), She is unable to concentrate in class (= she is disruptive), He has strong opinions about everything and is not afraid to voice them (= he is loud and arrogant).Typical of many recently-coined euphemisms are the words and expressions that try to avoid verbally hurting various minority groups or unfortunate individuals. People who have severe learning difficulties are sometimes called intellectually-challenged, and those with a physical handicap are referred to as differently-abled. Poor people are called needy, under-privileged, disadvantaged or economically deprived. Poor countries have in turn been called underdeveloped, developing, emergent, Third World—all in an effort to retain the meaning without raising some eyebrows or being patronizing. The struggle over the past 10-20 years to find an acceptable way to refer to black Americans is further evidence of the increased sensitivity that we now have to the power of language. This sensitivity is often referred to as political correctness.
64. What is the main idea of the above passage?
(A) English native speakers’ use of euphemism confuses foreigners.
(B) In English language, euphemism is used in various contexts to show respect or goodwill towards difference.
(C)English language learners should try as hard as they can to master the use of euphemism.
(D)Many languages have indirect words or phrases that people choose to avoid others’ negative reactions when talking about something unpleasant or embarrassing.

參考答案

答案：D[無官方正解]
難度：非常困難0
統計：A(2),B(2),C(0),D(8),E(0)

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