Author(s): Xuan ZHAO

Title: Common ground in intercultural communication — A socio-cognitive approach to euphemism

Source: Sz. Simon, P. Baka, A. Litovkina (eds.): 15th International Conference of J. Selye University. Language and Literacy Sections. Conference Proceedings

ISBN: 978-80-8122-497-3

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36007/4973.2024.91

Publisher: J. Selye University, Komárno, Slovakia

PY, pages: 2024, 91-105

Published on-line: 2024

Language: en

Abstract: The study aims at exploring the creation of common ground in intercultural communication and especially the interpretation process of euphemism by using the socio-cognitive approach. To demonstrate the real process of comprehension of euphemisms, a survey was made to collect data about individuals’ use of euphemisms in daily conversation between friends or acquaintances and further interviews were conducted with volunteer informants. The survey results were directly obtained through the online platform SurveyMonkey and then the socio-cognitive approach was applied to the results and to answer the research questions. The study demonstrates that common ground can be accumulated with both parties’ contribution in communication and cultural conceptualization can also affect the creation of euphemism.

Keywords: Common ground, socio-cognitive approach, euphemism, intention, attention

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