【正文】 western taboo1. IntroductionAs we all know that the world is being smaller and smaller, which seems a global village, and the exchange between people is being more frequently than ever before. As a result, conflicts appear when people with different background municate. Therefore, in order to reduce or avoid the conflicts, we had better to know their culture. The more we know it, the better we will understand them. Just as the old saying goes “Do as the Roman do.” Taboo as one of the reflections of culture, is a good way to get close to a nation and its culture. It is a social and mon phenomenon both in China and western countries. Because of different background, they are quite various from each other, but they still share some similarities.Knowing the difference and the similarities between China and western countries is an efficient way of English learning and cultural exchange, and can help us well understand their way of thinking and behaving. 1 2. The definition and evolution of taboo.. The definition.In Longman dictionary of English language and culture, the definition of taboo is a strong social or religious custom forbidding a particular act or word, or tech too holy or evil to be touched, named, or used (wei lingcha et ). So taboo is the prohibition or avoidance of language or behaviors which is believed to be harmful to our society or our human beings, or may cause us anxiety, embarrassment or shame. Breaking the taboo is considered to be objectionable and abhorrent by society.. The origin. The origin of the wordThe term es from the Tongan word tabu, meaning set apart or forbidden, and appears in many Polynesian cultures. In those cultures, a tabu (or tapu or kapu) often has specific religious associations. In its current use in Tonga, the word tapu also means amp。quot。quot。quot。quot。 something looked down can not be touched randomly.. Its origin in EnglishThe use of taboo in English dates back to 1777 when English explorer, Captain James Cook, visited Tonga. Describing the cultural practices of the Tongans, he wrote: “Not one of them would sit down, or eat a bit of any thing....” On expressing my surprise at this, they were all taboo, as they said。 but, in general, signifies that a thing is forbidden. and: “When any thing is forbidden to be eaten, or made use of, they say, that it is taboo.(from ). Its origin in ChinaIn China, the word “jinji（禁忌）” early appeared in some books of Han dynasty, such as Book of Han Dynasty，Yiwenzhi. In Chinese history, people lay more attention on the custom of “junjun, chenchen, fufu, zizi(君君，臣臣，父父，子子)” Because of the culture inclination, which manifests that taboo as a social phenomenon has existed before Han dynasty. It is also recorded in the shuo wen jie zi “ji, something hateful.” (Weiwei, 200806, 152). Its evolution. In primitive society.As we all know, in primitive society, people lack enough knowledge to explain some natural phenomena, just like lightning, thunder and earthquake. So they tend to believe there existing nature power 2 or supernatural being. And they believe as long as they cater to their emotion, and do not make them angry they could lead a peaceful life and get rid of every unfortunate. They depend on this supernatural being and wanted to obtain their shelter. Therefore they show great respect to them and avoid doing anything that may cause any slightest blasphemes to them. At that time, people held many blessing ceremony to show their respect and wishes.. In medieval timeDuring this time in west, there are many groups of whatever religion group in western countries. Being member of it, people have to obey many rules. People should behave and speak in a proper way according to their religion. So there are many taboos at that time. China is in the state of feudalism at that time. The social class is very rigid, especially the bureaucracy