A Comparative Study of the Cultural Connotations of Chinese and Thai Euphemisms

Abstract

Language serves as an important carrier of culture, and its use reflects the thinking patterns, communicative habits, and linguistic organization of a particular speech community. From a cross-cultural linguistic perspective, this study examines the major domains, cultural connotations, and causes of differences between Chinese and Thai euphemisms. Based on qualitative observation and relevant literature, euphemisms in both languages appear to occur mainly in sensitive semantic domains, such as death, illness, indecent matters, physiological phenomena, and physical defects. Their formation and use are shaped, to varying degrees, by Buddhist beliefs, values of harmony, and principles of politeness. The study further suggests that the differences between Chinese and Thai euphemisms are closely related to historical and cultural traditions, social environments, linguistic structural features, and communication media. Exploring the mechanisms underlying these cultural connotations can help second-language learners better understand the expressive features of Chinese and Thai and the cultural foundations that shape their use.