Contents

Acknowledgments

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 The Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 The Structure of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-3

2.1 Introduction to Contextual Adaptation Theory 3

2.2 Study on the Development of Euphemisms and Its Translation -3

Chapter Three Application of Contextual Adaptation Theory in the Translation of Euphemisms in Obama’s Speeches -5

3.1 Main Features of Euphemisms in Obama’s Speeches-5

3.1.1 Abstraction-5

3.1.2 Understatement-5

3.1.2 Circumlocution-5

3.2 Application of Contextual Adaptation Theory of Euphemism Translation-6

3.2.1 Adaptation to the Mental World-6

3.2.2 Adaptation to the Social World-7

3.3 E-C Translation Methods of Euphemisms in Obama’s Speeches-8

3.3.1 Literal Translation-8

3.3.2 Free Translation-10

Chapter Four Conclusion-12

References-13

Abstract

As a language phenomenon, euphemism is very common in the speeches. It can not only express the speaker’s purpose, but also can transmit the social significance as well as the cultural connotation, giving speeches a unique language effect. However, due to language and cultural differences, especially in the context of communication factors, translators will encounter a variety of difficulties throughout the process of euphemisms’ translation.----

Based on the Contextual Adaption Theory, this paper discusses the features of euphemisms and how to adapt the translation of euphemisms to the mental world and social world in the context of President Obama’s speeches. And then it expounds the literal translation and free translation methods. The article points out that under the guidance of Contextual Adaptation Theory, the translator should take full account of the mental world of the speaker and the social world with the audience. What’s more, if there are equivalent terms in the target language, we tend to choose literal translation, while if translators cannot find equivalent terms in the target language, free translation method should be adopted. The significance of this study is to provide a useful perspective for the E-C translation of euphemisms.

Keywords: E-C translation; Contextual Adaption Theory; euphemism; Obama’s speeches