An analysis of political euphemisms
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National University of Lesotho
Abstract
This study executes euphemism in Honourable Pakalitha Mosisili’s speeches using the
Speech Act Theory as an analytical tool. The aim of the study is to investigate the use
of euphemism in Honourable Pakalitha’s speeches. The study used video recordings
from YouTube and the Facebook page of Democratic Congress. Pen and paper were
used to collect data with an intention of watching and listening to the videos to write the
identified euphemisms on the paper.
The study’s findings reveal that Honourable Pakalitha has used various types of
euphemisms in his speeches. These types include abstraction, metaphor and substitution.
The results also highlight that some of the identified euphemisms are the Basotho
proverbs of which abstraction was applied metaphorically while substitution was
applied to neutralise the offensive word that was meant to be said.
Although the types of euphemisms were used to transfer information politely and
indirectly, the study also found that Honourable Pakalitha has used euphemism to mock
and undermine, mostly using the Basotho idioms. In addition, the study found that
euphemism is important in Honourable Pakalitha’s speeches because it allows him to
put his thoughts or feelings that can be said to be offensive in a neutralised way. It is
also found that the use of euphemism in an Honourable Pakalitha’s speeches is
educational to the Basotho because they can learn how to choose vocabulary and start
smooth conversations even though the feelings are offended