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image of Towards a distinction between non-euphemistic and euphemism-based politically correct expressions
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Abstract

Abstract

This qualitative research is the first attempt to analyse differences in the interpretation of politically correct (PC) expressions by using relevance-theoretic and lexical pragmatics tools. The results suggest that PC language can be non-euphemistic and euphemism-based. Non-euphemistic PC expressions achieve relevance by explicitly communicating their lexically encoded conceptual content. Euphemism-based PC expressions become relevant by communicating some concepts and propositions that are not lexically encoded by them and are inferred logically from the utterance context or/and by accessing encyclopaedic information. These concepts and propositions constitute euphemistic meaning and are recovered at explicit and implicit levels, as well as with varying degrees of strength.

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/content/journals/10.1075/prag.23032.gol
2024-09-03
2024-09-15
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/content/journals/10.1075/prag.23032.gol
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keywords: government discourse ; speaker’s meaning ; PC expressions ; relevance ; euphemisms
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