Abstract and Key Words

Abstract: Euphemism is a figure of speech, a way of language phenomenon, a way of cultural phenomenon, also a kind of social phenomenon. Euphemism is widely applied in various social strata and fields, and is an important mean to coordinate interpersonal relationship and social relations in speech communication. And the correct use of euphemism can avoid embarrassment and unpleasantness during interpersonal communication and achieves a successful communication. Due to the increase of international communication and intercultural exchange, religion has had a great influence on taboos and etiquette between English-speaking countries and China. The paper makes a comparative study between English and Chinese euphemisms from a religious angle. It aims to help people better understand religious euphemism between English and Chinese, thus contributing to a better cross-cultural communication.

Key words: euphemism； religion；death；name-addressing；factors

摘要：委婉语是一种修辞手法，一种语言现象，一种文化现象，更是一种社会现象。委婉语广泛应用于社会各阶层及各领域，是言语交际中协调人际关系和社会关系的重要手段。正确的使用委婉语可以避免人际交往的尴尬或不快，从而达到成功交往的目的。 由于国际交往和文化交流的需要,以及宗教对于中英国家在禁忌，礼仪等方面具有深远影响，本文从宗教的角度对英、汉委婉语进行比较研究。本文主旨在帮助人们更了解英汉宗教委婉语，有助于更好地进行跨文化交际。

关键词：委婉语; 宗教; 死亡; 称谓; 因素 

1. Introduction
Euphemism is a common language strategy in communication. Almost everyone uses euphemisms consciously or unconsciously in the situations where they feel difficult or unsuitable to speak out some things directly. People use them with various intensions and for various purposes.
The original meaning of euphemism in English is “good speech.” The term comes from the Greek, “eu” means “well,” or “sounding good,” and “pheme,” “speech”. “Euphemism: That figure of speech is used in the substitution of a word or expression of comparative favorable implication or less unpleasant associations instead of the harsher or more offensive one that would more precisely designate what is instead”. It is widely applied in various social strata and fields, and is an important mean to coordinate interpersonal relationship and social relations in speech communication. Euphemisms do exist in English and in Chinese. The experts Neaman and Silver pointed out “the earliest theme of the euphemism is undoubtedly religious”. That is to say, the euphemism originated from religious taboo. Taboo generates euphemism.