Abstract: With the development of economic globalization, the communication between China and the West are getting increasingly frequent. However, cultural differences become a major obstacle in cross-cultural communication. Language is the carrier of culture, which reflects the connotation of it. Taboos, which refer to the words and expressions or topics people are not willing to talk openly in certain social context, exist in every culture. Knowing about taboos in the target culture and avoiding using them in certain social context can help to guarantee a smooth cross-cultural communication. Based on relevant theory in pragmatics, this paper tries to make a comparative study of Chinese and English taboos. It’s the author’s hope that the similarities and differences between Chinese and Western values could be revealed and perceived. Some application strategies are then tentatively suggested to help achieve a successful communication, and consequently conflicts that may arise from the misunderstanding of taboos could be prevented.

Key words: cross-cultural communication; taboo; values; application strategies

CONTENTS 

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review ..1

2.1 Major Studies in This Field

2.2 Theoretical Foundation

    2.2.1 Cooperative Principle

2.2.2 Politeness Principle

2.3 Definition and Features of Taboo

2.3.1 Definition of Taboo

2.3.2 Features of Taboo

3. Comparison of Chinese and English Taboos and Different Values.....5

3.1 Similarities Between Chinese and English Taboos

3.1.1 Taboos on Religion

3.1.2 Taboos on Superstition

3.1.3 Taboo on Birth

3.1.4 Taboo on Death

3.1.5 Taboo on Illness

3.1.6 Taboo on Race and Gender

3.1.7 Taboo on Number

3.1.8 Taboo on Sex

3.1.9 Taboo on Excretions 

3.2 Differences Between Chinese and English Taboos

3.2.1 Taboo on Privacy

3.2.2 Taboo on Old age

3.2.3 Taboo on Naming and Addressing

4. Strategies of Avoidance in Communication Practices.11

4.1 Strategies of Verbal Communication

4.1 Use of Euphemism

4.1 Asking Questions

4.1 Telling White Lies

5. Conclusion13

Bibliography.14

Acknowledgements..15