A comparison betwween Vietnamese and Khmer in terms of taboo words and euphemism about unwanted things

Abstract

Taboo is the cause of euphemism; taboo goes first then comes euphemism. Taboos and euphemism are not only a part of language but also an expression of a unique culture. Vietnamese and Khmer have much in common in language and culture. For unwanted things, people always use taboos, euphemism and litotes. The paper provides overall similarities as well as differences in one aspect of taboo and euphemism terms in the Vietnamese and Khmer languages about unexpected things. This will result in deeper understanding about characteristics of the two languages, elimination of “culture shock” and good establishment of communicative relationships.