THE SIGNIFICANCE OF EUPHEMISM, METAPHOR AND HEDGING IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK DIPLOMATIC TEXTS
Keywords:
euphemism; metaphor; hedging; diplomatic discourse; pragmatic analysis; communicative strategy; politeness theory; English diplomatic texts; Uzbek diplomatic texts; comparative linguisticsAbstract
This study investigates the pragmatic significance of three key linguistic devices — euphemism, metaphor, and hedging — in English and Uzbek diplomatic texts. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of speech act theory, politeness theory, and euphemization studies, the analysis demonstrates that euphemisms, metaphors, and hedges operate not merely as stylistic choices but as purposeful strategic tools employed to soften unfavorable information, project neutrality, signal cooperative intent, and maintain face in inter-state communication. The study also reviews the contributions of Russian, Uzbek, Central Asian, and international scholars to the fields of euphemism and hedging research. The findings reveal that Uzbek diplomatic texts show a slight predominance of euphemistic strategies over metaphorical ones, reflecting a cultural preference for caution and politeness over emotional expression. This research makes an original contribution by conducting, for the first time, a systematic pragmatic analysis of these devices in English and Uzbek diplomatic texts at the level of a unified textual unit.
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