A Comparative Study Of Chinese And English Taboos In The Context Of Intercultural Communication

With the advancement of globalization, the interactions between different cultures have been increasingly intensified. When people with different cultural backgrounds communicate, they may encounter diverse problems, and consequently misunderstandings and conflicts may arise. There is, therefore, a need for research into the difference between different languages and cultures so that some effective problem-solving methods and strategies might be found.Numerous studies have shown that the language and its application are deeply rooted in the specific social culture. Without understanding of the social cultural context or the communication context, we cannot really understand the language itself.Taboo is a cultural phenomenon in human society. The word "taboo" was originally used by the people of the Tongan Island in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean to refer to persons, things and activities (including speech) that were sacred, forbidden or should be paid much attention to. Linguistic taboo (taboo for short) is not exclusive in Tonga, but universal in all the cultures in the world, from personal life to social activity, from noblemen to common people. In The Book of Rites, Ou Li, it is said that when you come to a new place, you should ask the taboo first; when you come to a new nation, you should ask the custom first; when you come to a new family, and you should ask the forbidden first. In our daily life and work, violation of taboos may be seen rude and inappropriate and even results in serious consequences. Therefore, people, whether in China or in western countries, are very cautious about taboos. Today, intercultural communication is becoming more and more intensified and frequent. Different cultures do not all agree on what taboo is in a given context. Lack of knowledge in this part of language or improper use of taboos may lead to misunderstandings, conflicts and other unknown serious consequences in intercultural communications. In order not to offend others, people often adopt an "avoiding" attitude to linguistic taboos. But as a part of human language, it is impossible to avoid taboos in daily life all the time. In the context of intercultural communication, this thesis introduces four main aspects of the linguistic taboos in Chinese and English and the related factors respectively. On this basis, a comparison of similarities and differences is made to help readers to have a deeper and more systematic understanding of taboos in Chinese and English. Finally, the appropriate attitudes and some useful strategies are proposed. It is hoped that the readers are able to understand each other thoroughly and communicate effectively and successfully in intercultural communication.