Investigating the Use of Euphemism in Enhancing the Speaking Skill of EFL Learners

Abstract

The present study investigates the use of Euphemism in enhancing the Speaking Skill and introduces Euphemism from a linguistic perspective in relation to the speaking skill. It focuses on how Euphemism is used to avoid directness in certain situations by promoting politeness to avoid face threatening acts. The whole purpose of the study is to find out how Euphemism is used to enhance the speaking skill of EFL learners. The study aims to shed light on the implications of Euphemism in relation to the notion of face (Goffmann 1967) within the framework of linguistic politeness (Brown and Levinson 1987). To achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive qualitative method is followed. In order to collect data, two questionnaires are administered to both teachers and students. The first one is submitted to 100 students of third year at the department of English, University of 8 Mai 1945, Guelma, and the second one to 10 teachers of English. The analysis of the obtained data reveal the perspective that Euphemism is understood as a powerful discursive tool used to enhance the speaking skill, preserve the public self-image of the participants in communicative exchanges and, therefore, facilitate harmonious interpersonal relationships.