A study of euphemism in Russian in contrast to the Vietnamese language

Abstract

Euphemism is a linguistic phenomenon and a form of polite speech that clearly reflects the cultural and ethical behavior among members of a social community. In communication, speakers choose appropriate words and expressions based on the context, purpose, and content of their message to avoid discomfort for themselves and their interlocutors. The existence of euphemisms and the reasons for their formation are universal features across languages. This article examines Russian euphemisms and compares them with Vietnamese ones to enhance the teaching of Russian language, focusing on the thinking, cognition, and communication culture of Russian and Vietnamese people. The study presents, the theoretical basis for comparing linguistic and cultural characteristics of euphemisms in Russian and Vietnamese; and It also proposes several practical measures to improve the quality of Russian language teaching and learning.