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ABSTRACT
The study examined Igbo euphemism from a socio-pragmatic perspective with a framework of politeness theory propounded by Brown and Levinson (1987) and Indirect Speech Act Theory by J. Austin (1975) which was further advanced by his student J. Searle. Politeness theory describes politeness as showing concern for people’s face needs where faces mean one’s self esteem or public image. In terms of the indirect speech act theory, euphemism is face saving mechanism which facilitate mutual co-operation in conversation. The design is descriptive and exploratory with a quantitative research design.
The study investigated the use of Igbo euphemism in social domains which includes business, home, court, schools, and streets e.t.c.
It was found out that euphemisms are not used in the court as every utterance and pronouncement is to be direct. Euphemisms in Igbo are used in enhancing interpersonal relationship and togetherness and to have an audience with the interlocutors. They allow people to talk and discuss taboo topics with ease. Based on the findings, of this study, it is recommended that the use of euphemism should continue and be consolidated in the various social domains in order to enhance politeness especially in a society with a value for sustained relationship as Igbo.
