* "The Great Falling Away" This phrase is used by Nathan Price to describe the conversion of the villagers to the local religion, but it also carries a sense of judgment and condemnation, hinting at a moral decline in their eyes.
* "The Congolese are like children" This sentiment is expressed by Orleanna Price, who is attempting to understand the Congolese people. While she may intend it as a gesture of empathy, it ultimately reflects a sense of superiority and patronization.
* "The village is a place of endless needs" This statement, while technically accurate, is used to emphasize the perceived poverty and backwardness of the village, contrasting it with the "civilized" world the Prices come from.
* "The village is a place of great beauty" This is a statement often used by Rachel Price, who is captivated by the exotic beauty of the Congo. However, it also serves to mask the harsh realities of poverty, disease, and hardship that exist alongside the beauty.
These examples illustrate how language can be used to shape perspectives and subtly reinforce existing biases. They highlight the power of euphemisms and the way they can mask or soften difficult truths.
It's important to note that the novel doesn't simply present euphemisms as a tool for manipulation. Instead, it explores the complexities of communication, particularly in a cross-cultural context, and the unintended consequences of well-meaning but ultimately misguided actions.