Abstract: Euphemism is a gentle, polite or vague way to express the speaker’s thought. It can be seen as a kind of “efficient lubricating oil” during communication and widely accepted and used. Based on previous research achievements, the thesis will make a further study of English euphemisms in Jane Austen’s Emma from the pragmatic perspective. Furthermore, the thesis attempts to collect euphemism data and make a detailed analysis by the employment of Cooperative Principle, in order to explore the pragmatic functions of euphemisms. From the study, it can be found that people can use euphemism to improve communication skills properly to avoid unnecessary awkwardness and obstacles. And the author hopes that the thesis can enrich the conventional literary studies of Emma and help readers have a better understanding of the fiction. 

Key words: Emma; English euphemism; cooperative principle

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要：

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review1

2.1 A Brief Review of Jane Austen and her Emma 

2.2 English euphemism and Cooperative Principle

3. Analysis of Euphemism in Emma under Cooperative Principle4

3.1 Violation of the Quality Maxim

   3.1.1 Using Irony

   3.1.2 Using Metaphor

3.2 Violation of the Quantity Maxim

   3.2.1 Using Overstatement 

3.2.2 Using Understatement

3.3 Violation of the Relevance Maxim

   3.3.1 Giving Hints

   3.3.2 Giving Association Clues

3.4 Violation of the Manner Maxim

   3.4.1 Being Ambiguous or Vague

   3.4.2 Being Incomplete and Using Ellipsis

4. Conclusion15

Bibliography.17

Acknowledgements18