Abstract
This study examines the use of euphemism in So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba. The study aims to identify the types and functions of euphemisms used in the selected text, analyse their influence in shaping meaning and social interaction, and interpret their usage through the lens of politeness theory proposed by Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory (1987), and Allan and Burridge’s Euphemism and dysphemism framework (1991). A qualitative descriptive research approach was employed, with data collected through a textual analysis of the novel. 28 euphemisms were found from the text. These expressions were analysed and classified based on the sixteen types of euphemism outlined by Allan and Burridge, including metaphorical, figurative, flippancy, clipping, acronym, circumlocution, and others. Each euphemism was further examined using Brown and Levinson’s politeness strategies which are positive and negative politeness to uncover how characters use language to manage face-threatening acts, maintain social harmony, and navigate interpersonal relationships. The finding shows that euphemism in the text serves not only to soften discourse but also to reflect the socio-cultural realities of the characters, such as gender roles, power dynamics, religious beliefs and moral expectations. In addition, the analysis revealed that euphemism is also used to address many themes in our life, such as death, sexuality, betrayal, poverty, and social injustice in ways that are contextually appropriate and culturally sensitive.
Keywords: Euphemism, Politeness, Societies, Culture, Text
DOI: www.doi.org/10.36349/sojolics.2025.v01i03.024
author/Dr. Ali Umar Muhammad, Hauwa Tijjani & Rabiu Garba Salisu
journal/Sokoto JOLICS 1(3) | December 2025 |
