Abstract:Language is a product created by human beings containing the thought and culture of a nation. Taboo words, such as those used to describe sex, our bodies and their functions, or those used to insult other people, are a part of language. They cover a great many aspects based on the situation of a country. Therefore, taboo words in Chinese culture differ from those in western countries in many ways. On the other hand, as a product of human beings, similarities can also be found in these words.
The aim of this dissertation is to study and find out the rules of taboo words in Chinese and western culture, then to give the readers some suggestions on Chinese-English translation. Chapter one is a brief introduction about the dissertation. Chapter two presents the basic knowledge of taboo words. Chapter three analyzes the similarities and differences of taboo words between Chinese and western culture from three aspects: appellation, conversation topics and expressions. Chapter four examines the three reasons for the differences between Chinese and western taboo words. Chapter five concludes with some rules to avoid misusing taboo words in Chinese-English translation.
Key Words: taboo words; similarities; differences; Chinese culture; western culture
摘要:语言是人类创造的产物，它包含了一个民族的思想文化结晶。禁忌语是语言的一部分，那些形容性行为和身体器官，又或者冒犯他人的语言词汇都属于禁忌语。不同的文化，其禁忌语的主要种类也不一样。中英文化由于背景不同，两者的禁忌语有许多差异。然而，它们同属人类的产物，必定有相似的地方。
本论文的主要目的是研究中西方禁忌语的规律，分析它们之所以不同的原因，继而为读者提出明确的建议，解决他们在中英翻译时已有的或以后可能会遇到的问题。论文首先从三个方面——称谓、话题和表达上，分析两种文化的禁忌语的相同点和不同点；然后从文化、历史和宗教的角度出发，归纳出两者出现差异的原因；最后提出在中英翻译中，避免误用禁忌语的规律。
关键词: 禁忌语；相同；不同；中国文化；西方文化
