Abstract

Taboo is a common phenomenon which widely exists in every corner of the world. Different countries, nations and even different areas all have their own particular taboos. Taboo arises from different living customs or habits. That is to say, different cultures result in their so-called taboos which reflect differences in people's thoughts and ideas. As time goes on, progress made in fields like technology and transportation brings people all over the world much closer. As a result, cross-cultural communication becomes more and more frequent. Nevertheless, taboos in different cultures and languages have turned into obstacles which prevent cross-cultural communication from being successful. This thesis is a comparative study on Chinese and English taboo words aimed at giving people a clear understanding of differences and similarities in taboo words in the eastern and western countries. Moreover, it offers solutions to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and arguments so as to increase the efficiency and achieve the goal of cross-cultural communication.

Key words: taboo, Chinese and English comparison, cross-cultural communication 

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

I．A brief introduction to taboo words1

1.1Definition of taboo words1

1.2Origin of taboo words..1

1.3Features of taboo words...2

  1.3.1 University..2

  1.3.2 Nationality.....2

  1.3.3 Particularity of times.3

  1.3.4 Relativity3

II．Similarities between Chinese and English taboo words3

2.1Taboos on religion and God..3

2.2Taboos on death and disease.4

2.3Taboos on vulgarities.....5

III．Differences between Chinese and English Taboo words...5

  3.1Taboos on colors 5

  3.2Taboos on numbers ...6

  3.3Taboos on privacy..7

IV．Ways of avoiding taboo to improve intercultural communication8

  4.1Observation8

  4.2Learning to ask for certainties.9

  4.3Euphemism.9

V．Conclusion.10

References12