Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1986.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 1986. / Also available in print.

published_or_final_version / Language Studies / Master / Master of Arts

Thesis (M.A. (African Languages)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / Refer to the document

Thesis (Ph. D. (Tshivenda)) --University of Limpopo, 2016 / This study examined Tshivenḓa euphemisms from a socio-pragmatic perspective within a framework of Politeness and Indirectness Communicative theories. According to Brown and Levinson (1987), Politeness Theory describes politeness as showing concern for people’s ‘face’ needs where ‘face’ means one’s public self-image. In terms of the Indirectness Communicative Theory, euphemism is a face saving mechanism which emphasizes mutual cooperation in a conversation. Euphemisms are described as substitutions of agreeable or inoffensive expressions for ones that may offend or suggest something unpleasant. They are words with meanings or sounds that are thought, somehow, to be nicer, cleaner or more elevated and they are used as substitutes for words deemed unpleasant, crude or ugly in sound or sense. The study adopted a descriptive and exploratory design within a qualitative research approach, based on the view that qualitative research aims at explaining complex phenomena by means of verbal description rather than testing hypotheses with numerical values. Furthermore, primary data were elicited from 25 participants of different ages, genders, educational levels, social status and occupations who are native speakers of the Tshivenḓa language by means of semi-structured interviews. Since this study involved working with humans, all ethical aspects were ensured. The study, which investigated the use of Tshivenḓa euphemisms, was conducted in seven social domains in Venḓa in the Vhembe District: local courts, churches, homes, hospitals, girls in seclusion, schools and electronic media. The study’s findings show evidence of the use of Tshivenḓa euphemisms in these various domains. However, the court domain seems not to use many euphemisms due to the fact that clear communication is required there; for two parties in a case to understand what is being said during the proceedings the use of roundabout indirect language is avoided – the courts believe in calling ‘a spade, a spade.’ Through the careful analysis of euphemisms, the study’s findings revealed that euphemisms have both positive and negative effects on language, including Tshivenḓa. Some of the positive effects of euphemisms revealed by this study include the ability to avoid directly naming what is deemed unpleasant; they make the language sound more v literary; and they allow people to discuss touchy or taboo subjects with ease. However, the findings also suggested that euphemisms may be disrespectful; they could hinder clear communication; they are deceptive; and they may lead to miscommunication and general confusion. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the use of euphemisms in Tshivenḓa language should be reinforced in all social domains in order to enhance politeness; preserve the public self-image of the participants in communicative exchanges; and facilitate harmonious interpersonal relationships. It is also recommended that further study be undertaken to identify other factors that may affect the use of euphemisms in Tshivenḓa from other perspectives. Key concepts: Politeness; Euphemisms; Treadmill; Taboo; Face work

This thesis is on the theory and practice of comic sexual euphemism in Renaissance France and England. The term ‘comic sexual euphemism’ means the use of non-literal descriptions for sexual topics for the purposes of comedy, similar to an innuendo or double-entendre. Crucially, instances are often more explicit than straightforward literal statement, so fail to be euphemistic. I use ancient, early modern, and modern theory, as well as my own theoretical insights, and apply this to three types of Renaissance text: texts associated with the court from England and France, medical texts from France and their English translation, and theatre from England and France. Primary authors include Baldesar Castiglione, Pierre de Brantôme, Sir John Harington (who translated Ludovico Ariosto into English – Ariosto is also translated into French by Jean Martin), Laurent Joubert, Jacques Ferrand (translated into English by Edmund Chilmead), Thomas Middleton, Ben Jonson, Edward Sharpham, John Marston, and Pierre de Troterel. At the court of both countries a dangerous line was walked between protecting women and gossiping about them, between proving yourself witty regarding sexual material and going too far. In the world of French medicine, where you might expect professional and clinical language, there is instead a trend towards outrageous sexual humour. As at court, if deemed to have exceeded social norms, this could get writers into trouble. The stage was in some ways a safer environment in which to use comic sexual euphemism, as it was expected more in comic drama. This does not, however, lessen how vibrant and multi-faceted such language could be in early modern drama. Interestingly, similar imagery is found across texts and genres. In this period overall there was a tension between the rhetorical rules which forbid the discussion of the sexually obscene and the clear delight writers took in breaking these.

published_or_final_version / Language Studies / Master / Master of Arts

Magister Artium - MA / This study investigates Kinyarwaanda sexuality taboo words and their meaning in Rwandan culture to enable the youth to improve their communication and the values of Rwandan culture. It explores whether the use of Kinyarwaanda sexuality taboo words is a good way to communicate with one another or is a transgression of Rwandan culture. Its intent is to see the value that Rwandans assign to verbal taboos, particularly sexuality taboo words, to see how these taboos regulate Rwandans lives, to see the attitudes Rwandans hold towards them, and to find out the link there might be between sexuality taboo words, the information dissemination on HIV/AIDS and the spread of AIDS. / South Africa

This study investigates Kinyarwaanda sexuality taboo words and their meaning in Rwandan culture to enable the youth to improve their communication and the values of Rwandan culture. It explores whether the use of Kinyarwaanda sexuality taboo words is a good way to communicate with one another or is a transgression of Rwandan culture. Its intent is to see the value that Rwandans assign to verbal taboos, particularly sexuality taboo words, to see how these taboos regulate Rwandans lives, to see the attitudes Rwandans hold towards them, and to find out the link there might be between sexuality taboo words, the information dissemination on HIV/AIDS and the spread of AIDS.

published_or_final_version / Chinese / Master / Master of Philosophy