THE USE OF LABOR-RELATED EUPHEMISMS IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LINGUISTICS

Abstract

The phenomenon of euphemism has long occupied an important position in linguistic research, functioning as a reflection of how societies handle sensitive or uncomfortable realities through language. When applied to the field of labor discourse, euphemism reveals how work, hierarchy, and economic relations are framed within social interaction. This study explores the use of labor-related euphemisms in both English and Uzbek, situating them within pragmatic, sociolinguistic, and critical discourse frameworks. It draws on theories of politeness [Brown, Levinson, 1987] and the critical discourse tradition [Fairclough, 2003] to argue that employment-related euphemisms serve not only interpersonal politeness but also institutional concealment. In both languages, euphemisms appear in contexts related to job termination, pay and benefits, performance evaluation and occupational hierarchy. Yet the linguistic strategies and cultural motivations differ in important ways