A Comparison between Chinese
and English Taboos
By English Thesis Advisor:
28 Dec 2010
Abstract: Taboo reflects every corner of the different social life both in Chinese and
English culture, so the differences between the Chinese and English taboos can be of great help for cross-cultural communication. By analyzing some important parts of the taboos, we will have some general point of view on it.
Key words: taboo, differences ,comparison, cross-cultural communication
Contents
I.Introduction …………………………………………………………………......1 II.content：a comparison between Chinese and English taboos………………….1
A. Color taboo…………………………………………..................................1
1. Red…………………………….………………………………………1 2. White………………………..…………………………………………2 3. Black..………………………………………………………………….2 B. Number taboo………………………….………………………………….3 1. Number four in China………………………………………………....3 2. Number thirteen in English……………………………………...….3 3. Friday……………………………………………………………...….3 4. Odd number and even number……………………………………..3 C. Religion…………………………………………………………………..4 III. Conclusion……………………………………………………………………..5
Works Cited…………………………………………………………………..6
I. Introduction
Language is a cultural carrier as a part of culture. Taboo is a common language both in Chinese and English culture. It is very useful to be aware of the cross-cultural communication and learning of English culture. Taboo, as a special language, seems very important whether in reality or in communication. Due to different historical and cultural backgrounds, the ranges of taboo are not the same. There will be different ways of the same object. Usually, language is used as a mirror to reflect the national culture by people. Understanding the differences between Chinese and English taboos will appropriately help cross-cultural communication.
II. A comparison between Chinese and English taboos
As the old saying goes, troubles come out of the tongue. Superstitious people think that the language itself can bring about fortune or misfortune so that taboos to restrict the use of language are created. Anyone who violates them will get punishment, whereas those who faithfully obey the restrictions of language taboo will get protection. Furthermore, taboos change with the development of society and exist in almost every aspect of people?s life. It is a universal social phenomenon in China and Britain. Both Chinese and English cultures are in agreement about taboos such as color taboo, number taboo and so on. However, influenced by different cultural backgrounds, ideologies and the concepts of value, Chinese and English taboos also have differences, as is discussed in the paper from the aspects of taboo profanities, taboo numbers and colors. Having a good knowledge of the taboo culture would help English learners improve their ability of cross-cultural communication and achieve better communicational effects.
A. Color taboo 1. Red
In both Chinese and English culture, red is usually associated with happy occasions. On calendar, we can find that holidays such as Spring Festival, Christmas Day are printed in red,
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which is called “red letter days”, while ordinary days are in black. Beside, “to paint the town red” is to celebrate widely. Another example is “to roll out the red carpet for someone” means to give a hospitable and formal reception.
In English culture, people usually connect red with blood. Blood is regarded to be the source of life. Life will die when the blood has run off. So they think red also refers to force, death and war. Such as “red ruin” and “red battle”. But in Chinese culture, red refers to revolutions and progressive forces. For example, the primary revolutionary regime named red regime. It also stands for good luck in China, such as:红运,开门红,披红挂彩…So, although there are some similar meanings of red, but in china, red has no derogatory sense.
2. White
In English, white usually used to describe pure and honest people or things, such as friendship, love and personality. Like red in Chinese culture, white is the joyous and positive color in England. White men means gentlemen, white soul means pure soul, white market means lawful market; white room means the most cleaning room…
But in Chinese culture, besides good sides, white also constants derogatory sense, it is connected with death. In funeral, all of people wear white clothes in order to express their sadness, Most times, white is opposed to red in Chinese culture. Chinese, especially the older dislike it, even afraid of it while it stands for ill omen, and counteraction. In the war, the loser raises a white flag to show capitulation. Sometimes, it also refers to work fruitlessly, worthlessly both in Chinese and English culture, such as “白费劲” “白痴” “白搭”and “white elephant”.
3. Black
In Chinese culture, the color of black has two sides: one stands for solemnity, prestige; the other stands for fear, reactionary forces and illegality. Because in the night, people will feel depressed and fearful, and want to find something for help.
In English culture, black is a taboo color, it refers to death and ill omen, people wear black clothes due to the custom, and usually be used in funeral rites, everyone who join in funeral , wear black clothes to express their sadness and heavy mood. For example: “wear black for one?s father”. Black letter day is opposite to red letter day, black man means demon. While in Chinese culture, people?s mourning apparel is always white. As in Chinese custom, white is
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A - Comparison - between - Chinese - and - English - Taboos
