Abstract:Taboo is an ancient cultural phenomenon. Taboos are different in different countries and regions. This is due to the different lifestyles, customs, codes of conduct and cultural atmosphere formed in the long-term historical evolution. Due to the differences between Chinese and Western cultures and historical traditions, people in China and the West sometimes feel strong resentment towards each other. This leads to some words that we should avoid using, that is, taboos. This paper analyzes the similarities and differences between English and Chinese taboos and tells how to avoid taboo words. It focuses on the taboos in terms of appellation, topic, number, death, disease and sex. The use of body language and euphemism is the way to avoid taboos in cross-cultural communication. Therefore, the comparative analysis of English and Chinese taboos helps people to communicate better in cross-cultural communication and avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.

Key words: taboos; culture difference; cross-cultural communication

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I. Differences between Chinese and English Taboos-4

A. Taboos on Appellations-4

B. Taboos on Topics-5

C. Taboos on Numbers-6

II. Similarities between Chinese and English Taboos-7

A. Taboos on Death-7

B. Taboos on Disease-8

C. Taboos on Sex-8

III. How to Avoid Taboo Words in Cross-Cultural Communication-10

A. Using Body Language-10

B. Using Euphemism-10

Conclusion-12

Bibliography-14

Acknowledgments-15