Abstract: Taboo refers to certain behaviors, things or relationships that people are trying to avoid. Linguistic taboo, as an important aspect of general taboos, is easily found in languages from all corners of the world. Based on the literature analysis, this paper is aimed to initially identify the communicative functions, social functions and educational functions of taboos in human language respectively in order to explore to the full favorable conditions and avoid the unfavorable ones and retain the cultural taboos, which are conducive to human society and intercultural communications. Furthermore, the understanding of unscientific taboos and those against morality is a paramount issue to avoid offending the other countries. In doing so, the understanding and use of taboos existing in our society will be easier, thus the intercultural communication skills will be intensified.  

Key words: taboos; culture; intercultural communication; avoidance

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review1

2.1 Introduction of Taboos

2.2 Present Studies on Taboos

3. Functions of Taboos from the Perspective of Culture..3

3.1 Communicative Functions

3.1.1 Direct Reference and Description

3.1.2 Expressing Humor

3.1.3 Expressing Surprise

3.1.4 Verbal Attack

3.2 Social Functions

3.2.1 Maintenance and Protection to the Survival of Primitive Ethnic Groups

3.2.2 Integration of Society

3.2.3 Maintenance of Social Order

3.3 Educational Functions

3.3.1 Enhancement of Human’s Recognition of Culture

3.3.2 Integration of Culture

3.3.3 Cultivation of Morals

4. Implications for the Usage of Taboos7

  4.1 Strategies for Avoiding Inappropriate Taboos

  4.1.1 Using Euphemism

 4.1.2 Using Body Language

  4.1.3 Telling White Lies

4.2 Strategies for Promoting Useful Taboos

 4.2.1 Thinking Globally and Culturally

  4.2.2 Having a Good Knowledge of Taboo Culture

5. Conclusion9

Bibliography

Acknowledgments