Abstract

This paper is a contrastive study of English and Chinese taboos in the context of intercultural communication. From the analysis of taboo’s origin, definition, functions, and the comparative exploration on the aspects of religion, birth and death, age and racial discrimination between English and Chinese taboos, we deeply explore the distinctions and connections between English and Chinese taboos. What’s more, in order to avoid people’s pragmatic failures on English and Chinese taboos in the intercultural communication, we also put forward some effective strategies on the purpose of enhancing people’s intercultural communicative competence, deepening the awareness of the distinction between English and Chinese cultures, and accomplishing better cultural exchange and development.

Key Words: intercultural communication, English and Chinese cultures, taboos

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.1

2.1 Previous Studies on Taboos at Home and abroad.2

2.2 Related Pragmatic theories2

     2.2.1 Cooperative principle3

     2.2.2 Politeness principle3 

     2.2.3 Indirect Speech Act Theory4

3. Intercultural Analysis of Taboo4

3.1 The relationship between culture, language, and taboo.5

  3.2 Functions of taboo5

4. Comparison of Chinese and English Taboos.5

  4.1Taboos on religion6

 4.2Taboos on Birth and Death7

 4.3Taboos on old age7

 4.4Taboos on racial discrimination.8

5. Strategies to Handle Taboos in Intercultural Communication8

5.1Use of Euphemism8

5.2Use of Body Language 9

5.3Asking Questions9

6. Conclusion.10

References.12