英语禁忌语.doc

淮阴师范学院学年论文学 年 论 文学生姓名常玉杰学 号020701039院 (系)外国语学院专 业英语（师范）题 目英汉文化中禁忌语差异的研究TitleOn Cultural Difference of the Taboo Words Between English and Chinese指导教师陈维平 副教授 （姓 名） （专业技术职称/学位）2010年11月On Cultural Difference of the Taboo Words between English and ChineseByChang Yujie A Thesis Submitted toSchool of Foreign Languagesas a Gaduation Tesis At Huaiyin Normal UniversityUnder the Supervision of Ms. Chen WeipingSeptember 2010AcknowledgementsThis thesis involves much generous assistance from my teachers, friends and parents. I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to my instructor Chen Weiping, my supervisor, who has been giving me the considerable academic help and constant support during my thesis writing. I also extend my heartfelt appreciations to all of my friends and especially, my classmate Qi Jianhui, who has spent time discussing questions with me and offered me kind advice about the thesis. And I would like to thank the librarians of Huaiyin Teachers College, who have provided me with useful references needed in my thesis.Finally, I would like to present sincere thanks to my parents, who have supported and assisted me all the way in my college life.摘要：语言是文化的载体，不同的社会背景和历史文化会产生出不同的禁忌语言。在原始社会，自然灾害频发，又由于当时人们的封闭的思想，因而变得很迷信，他们认为语言本身会带来不同的运气，因而就有禁忌语这一说法。禁忌语在中国和其他许多说英语的国家的应用有着许多相似之处，本文首先对禁忌语的起源进行了概述，再从其发展过程进行分析。在人们日常生活的方方面面，都会涉及到禁忌语，所以它在中国和英语的国家是一个普遍存在的社会现象。他们在某些方面存在着相同点，也在不同的社会习俗和文化背景的影响下，呈现出不同的形式。最后，在日常生活中，人们逐渐运用委婉语来替代禁忌语，以避免因误用所造成的麻烦，通过这种方式，我们可以更加有效的与别人进行交流。关键词：禁忌语，对比分析，文化差异，委婉语Abstract：Culture can be manifested in certain language. Different social background and historical culture make a contribution to produce different linguistic taboos. As the old saying goes, “Troubles come out of the tongue”. Superstitious people think that the language itself can bring about fortune and misfortune so that taboos are created. Taboos are in common use in China and many English speaking countries, and we can find its expression in English and Chinese. This paper gives a brief introduction of the origin of taboos. And then analyzes its evolution process. People can be aware of the fact that linguistic taboos exist in almost every aspect of their daily life, and it is an universal social phenomenon in China and Britain. They share some similarities in certain aspects. Nevertheless, under the influence of different social customs and culture backgrounds, they take on different forms. To avoid the unnecessary troubles caused by misusing taboos, we replace it with euphemisms. Then we can communicate with each other effectively.Key words：taboo words, comparison ,similarities, cultural difference, euphemismCONTENTS1. Introduction12. Analysis of Gender Differences in College English Education in China23.1 The phenomena of gender differences23.1.1 Female students are more than male students in English department23.1.2 Female students get higher achievement than male students in English learning33.2 Analysis of the factors in gender differences33.2.1 Physiological gender differences in language learners43.2.2 Emotional and psychological gender differences in language learners43.2.3 The influence of family education53.2 4 The influence of school education63.2.5 The influence of traditional society84. Enlightenment of Gender Differences in College English Education84.1 Influence caused by gender differences in college English education94.2 Revealing gender inequality in education in China95. Synthetic Ways to Achieve Gender Equality in Education105.1 Enact education policies105.1.1 Incorporate gender equality into school education105.1.2 Incorporate gender equality into college and university admission policies105.2 Incorporate gender equality into textbooks115.3 Teaching by gender115.3.1 Changing gender stereotypes by teachers115.3.2 Classroom teaching by teachers126. Conclusion13Works Cited141. Introduction22. The origin and definition of linguistic taboo53. The evolution of linguistic taboo54. The similarities between English and Chinese taboos7 41 Taboos on religion 7 42 Taboos on human excretion parts8 43 Taboos on sex8 44 Taboos on diseases or death8 45 Taboos on social positions8 46 Taboos on age and weight85. The differences between English and Chinese taboos10 51 Taboos on names and appellation 10 52 Taboos on ages10 53 Taboos on privacy affairs11 54 Taboos on numbers116. The analysis on linguistic taboos between English and Chinese117. Conclusion141. IntroductionIn the communication between Chinese and western cultures, many people feel strongly the difference between the two cultures on many aspects, such as social life, politics, culture, religion, etc. In addition, the particular historical process and social backgrounds have a great impact on the formation and evolution of their languages. A successful cross-cultural communication requires us to break through the cultural barriers. A good command of taboo culture guides people to speak and behave at a proper time, place and to a proper degree. Taboo is a common social and cultural phenomenon in both Chinese and Britain. So the words created by it also take on a new form. However, influenced by different cultural backgrounds, ideologies and concepts of value, the content and forms of taboos are different. Therefore, the discussion of the relation between the taboo and language is conducive to English teaching and communication. Whats more, it can also help us to have a better understanding of attitudes and thinking models between China and Britain.2. The origin and definition of linguistic taboo.The term “taboo” was borrowed from Tonga, an island group in Polynesia, and its original meaning is “sacred” “untouchable”. When it came into English vocabulary, it became the synonym of taboo, which stands for prohibition or repression. It is specifically used to describe some special languages and behaviors.3. The evolution of linguistic tabooAs it is mentioned above, linguistic taboo is not only a linguistic phenomenon, but also a kind of social phenomenon. It is influenced by the development of society.As we all know, in the primitive society, people didnt get to know about nature. They were confused about the natural phenomenon, such as lightning, thunder, storm, earthquakes, etc. So they believed in the natural powers and became superstitious. They thought only in this way could they survive the hard environments, therefore, they must respect nature and mighty god when they use language. Here is an example: from the seventh commandment of the Ten Commandment in Bible “You should not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your god, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name”1In the Medieval period, many countries were divided into many groups of different social status according to innumerable religious rules. People couldnt do and get they want to. It is the darken age, people in that time should show respect to the decadent rules and religions. So there are many taboos during the period. For instance, the religion listed the buttock, jaw, and forehead as the linguistic taboos. In China, during the feudal period, it is the feudal code of ethics that dominate the country for more than 2000 years. Men are the major role in the society, and women should be obedient to their father, husband, and son. Besides, as an old saying goes: Ignorance is a womans virtue. So women are not allowed to attend class. We can see it from the Chinese expression: Three from the four virtues. Three cardinal guides and the five permanent members, etc. Many taboos are preserved as the form of the feudal code of ethics, for example, in order to show the royals authority and majesty, the name of the emperor and his ancestors should not be mentioned. At the same time, people always avoid speaking out their parents names or even the characters in their parents names. Taboos have turned into pure commandment without a shade of superstition. In modern society, with the rapid development of science and technology, the scope of the concept of taboo has been widened. Most people are becoming more and more rational, and they never believe in or rely on the superstitions. Therefore the superstitious elements in linguistic taboos decrease and those reflecting spiritual civilization increase. With the frequent interaction between China and the western countries, the tradition of taboos influences each other. In recent years, there are many taboo words that reflect a demeaning attitude towards certain social or ethic groups. Racist language and sexist language, for example, are offensive to the social or ethic groups discriminated against. 2For example, the term “Nigger” was used in the 1960s, which was widely used to call the blacks. But now, it is considered as a taboo word in the usual social interactions. For such form of addressing is against the American Human Rights. Whats more, because of the Women Liberation, many women step into all walks of life to work with men. The traditional ideas restrict their activities and spirits during the feudal time. However, everything has changed, we can not ignore the forces of women, and they also do a very good job. Therefore, the number of taboo words on sexist language increases.As is mentioned above, in modern society, people are becoming more and more conscious of other peoples feelings. So they create many taboo words to avoid hurting others. Most of the words can also be called euphemisms. In a word, those words which can make people unpleasant in the interactions and public places are taboos.4. The similarities between English and Chinese taboosEvery culture has its taboo towards something or some behavior, and also be reflected in its language. With time goes by, the linguistic taboo emerges. As we all know that pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon, but in daily life, people will not say it directly, for it is related to sex. If someone is pregnant, English people will say, “She is expecting a baby” or “She is in a family way.” Similar euphemisms can be found in Chinese “pregnant.”According to the “International English Usage(1986)”, taboos in English fall into the following six aspects:4.1 Taboos on religionAs has discussed above, some special words related with God and religion should be only used in some specific religious ceremonies.Like in English, there are many similar taboo words in Chinese. In religion, people often use some eulogy to address the gods they hold in deep respect, such as “Dadi(大帝)” “Dashen(大神)” instead of words with evil meanings4.2 Taboos on humans excretion parts.It is impolite to mention these things on the most occasions.4.3 Taboos on sex. It is impolite to mention anything about sex in some the social or formal interactions. Those words related with sex or genitals can be only used on a very informal occasion or in the field of medical. Due to the Sex Liberation in the western countries during the 1960s, the English speaking countries took a more freedom, open attitude towards sex. therefore, the phrases “to make love”, “to have sex with” could be often found in written form, however, when they talk about something on it, people tend to replace them with the euphemisms. In addition, influenced by the feudal code of ethics, Chinese people also treat terms on sex seriously. Besides, they always use the expression of “styles” or “improper relationship” to show the immoral relationship between man and woman.In China, influenced by the asceticism of the Buddhism, combined with the Confucian on the moral, almost everyone hold the opinion that “Prurient is the worst, filial piety is the best”. Therefore, any words related with sex are taboos in Chinese minds.4.4 Taboo on disease and death.We often use many other euphemisms to express death or disease. Such as “kick the bucket”, “pop off”, “die”, “pass away”, “decease”, “be with the god”, etc. These words or phrases reflect peoples attitudes toward death and their wishes for the after death. Mental illness is thought not to be mentioned directly. For example, when referring to a mental illness, we just say “a little eccentric” or “a little confused”. Either in Chinese or in western countries, people have sympathy for ones physical disability.Chinese are also refrained from saying the word “death”, they often say “mount and ride away to Elysium” or “Pass away peacefully.” Besides, the word “maimed” is a distressing one, so it is very impolite to describe someone; we often use “physical disability” or “deformity” to replace it. In Chinese, if one is a deaf, we will say “ears back” “ears a little bit bad”, “talk was near point”, etc. In English it is called “hard of hearing.”4.5 Taboos on social positionsWe often address people of different origins or positions with different euphemisms rather than calling their names directly. Because it is crude to do so on a social or formal occasion.4.6 Taboos on age and weight.When you meet a young lady on the street, you should not ask such questions as “How old are you?” “What about your salary?”, for it is very crude to greet others. Therefore, words like “old” “childish”, “fat”, “skinny”, etc. They have become the taboo words.In terms of “age” and “appearance”, people in modern society are very sensitive to these words. So it is seldom to speak of “old” and “fat” to describe a person on a formal occasion.Both in English and Chinese, the vulgar words are usually rude and offensive and bring about unpleasant, anger or conflicts. Swear words in English are often called four letter words, because most of them are short and many are made up of four letters. Such as: piss, shit, crap, fuck.”. “These so called four-letter words are considered vulgar”. 3Swear words formed by employing some of the animals names are vulgar too. They are very improper expressions in most conversations, such as: “bitch” “cow” “swine” “pig”, etc. Generally speaking, even in daily communications, these vulgar words are considered taboo words. In Chinese, there are also many similar words, such as “son of a bitch,” “little bastard”, etc. These words are used to insult others. People always try to avoid using them in a normal and polite communication.In conclusion, the taboos in English and China have some similar tendency, which is not only demonstrates the fact that human culture, but also reflect different cultures can influence and penetrate each other.5. The difference between English and Chinese taboosAlthough the linguistic taboos in Chinese and English share some similarities in some aspects, there exists some different opinion on what should be regarded as taboos between the two cultures. Therefore, a taboo in one culture may not be so in another; and vice versa. The difference between English and Chinese taboos falls into the following four aspects.5.1 Taboos on name and appellationInfluenced by the traditional feudal code of ethics, respecting ones parents and ancestors is one of Chinas most important virtues, so the concept of taboos on name and appellation is rooted in the social life. Therefore, people always avoided speaking out their parents names or even the characters in their parents names. When a younger generation addresses the elder, he often addresses him with such words as “Grandpa” “Papa” “Mama” rather than his or her names. On the contrary, people in the English speaking countries dont have any taboo in this aspect. You can often notice the phenomenon in TV or films: A child may call his elders name directly, which is also applied to the people of different social positions. 5.2 Taboos on agesWith the time goes by, “becoming old” is an inexorable natural law, however, people in China and Britain hold different opinion towards it, and produce different cultural connotations. Generally speaking, Chinese give “the old age” a more positive meaning, for “old” is the symbol of wisdom and experience. You can find it in the expression in some proverbs, such as “Theres many a good tune played on an old fiddle,” “Old people still cherish high aspirations.” As a result, the elder is widely respected and took care of in China. However, people in the English speaking countries hold an opposite view. They treat “old” as a taboo, which means “outdated” “useless”. The elder signifies “decline” “fall into decay” “dying”. Therefore, this term is not a positive word. People admire the youth. Besides, in those English speaking countries, the aged is addressed as a senior citizen rather than “the old” or “old people”.5.3. Taboos on privacy affairs.People take their privacy affairs seriously in those English speaking countries. It is impolite to ask questions upon age, salary, family, politic, religions, etc. you should not ask questions on age when you talk with a stranger. However, in China, people always talk about age; when you greet a friend, you may say “How old are you?” It is very crude to ask some questions on age to a lady on a public occasion. Whats more, issues on money is another taboo in the western countries, people should not ask about other peoples salary and income, even members of the family, while Chinese like to ask and answer these questions. In our daily conversations, you can hear such questions as “Are you married?” “How much is your cloth?” “What does your wife do?”, etc. These questions are concerned with