Euphemisms in online reporting by German-language newspapers: A corpus-based analysis

Abstract

The main goal of this work is to examine form and function of euphemisms, as well as the subject areas in which they occur, in online reporting of selected German-language newspapers. The results of the study show that euphemisms have an impact on our everyday language. They embellish and paraphrase the unpleasant. For example, they are mostly used to avoid taboo subjects instead of expressing them directly. Euphemisms can be found in almost every area of ​​life. They are particularly popular and can often be read in social, political and economic texts. Euphemisms can be formed in a variety of ways, such as paraphrases, synonyms, metaphors, idioms, abbreviations, and anglicisms. Euphemisms create many new words and expressions that should be taught in German lessons. The use of euphemisms enables a motivating, learning-oriented and action-oriented language teaching. Since texts containing euphemisms are authentic cultural products, working with them can not only contribute to expanding the reading and language skills of the German learners, but also help promoting their intercultural media skills.