A Comparison Between Chinese and English Taboos
|A Comparison between Chinese and English taboos |
| |
|1.Introduction |
|A taboo is a strong social prohibition (or ban) relating to any area of human activity or social custom that is |
|sacred and forbidden based on moral judgment and sometimes even religious beliefs. Breaking the taboo is usually |
|considered objectionable or abhorrent by society. The term comes 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. When an activity or custom is taboo, it is forbidden and interdictions are implemented |
|concerning it, such as the ground set apart as a sanctuary for criminals. Some taboo activities or customs are |
|prohibited under law and transgressions may lead to severe penalties. Other taboos result in embarrassment, shame, |
|and rudeness. Although critics and/or dissenters may oppose taboos, they are put into place to avoid disrespect to |
|any given authority, be it legal, moral and/or religious. |
| |
|2.Etymology |
|Common etymology traces taboo to the Tongan word tapu or the Fijian word tabu meaning "under prohibition", "not |
|allowed", or "forbidden". In its current use in Tonga, the word tapu also means "sacred" or "holy", often in the |
|sense of being restricted or protected by custom or law. In the main island of
| |
|1.Introduction |
|A taboo is a strong social prohibition (or ban) relating to any area of human activity or social custom that is |
|sacred and forbidden based on moral judgment and sometimes even religious beliefs. Breaking the taboo is usually |
|considered objectionable or abhorrent by society. The term comes 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. When an activity or custom is taboo, it is forbidden and interdictions are implemented |
|concerning it, such as the ground set apart as a sanctuary for criminals. Some taboo activities or customs are |
|prohibited under law and transgressions may lead to severe penalties. Other taboos result in embarrassment, shame, |
|and rudeness. Although critics and/or dissenters may oppose taboos, they are put into place to avoid disrespect to |
|any given authority, be it legal, moral and/or religious. |
| |
|2.Etymology |
|Common etymology traces taboo to the Tongan word tapu or the Fijian word tabu meaning "under prohibition", "not |
|allowed", or "forbidden". In its current use in Tonga, the word tapu also means "sacred" or "holy", often in the |
|sense of being restricted or protected by custom or law. In the main island of