西安石油大学外国语学院：《西方礼仪文化 Western Etiquette Culture》通识课程教学资源（电子课件，英文版）09.西方礼仪文化和礼仪中的禁忌

Unit 9 The taboos in Western culture and Etiquette

Unit 9 The Taboos in Western Culture and Etiquette

Part 1 Background building Part 2 Some Knowledge about Taboo Taboo drinks Taboo Taboo food number

Part 1 Background building Part 2 Some Knowledge about Taboo Taboo food Taboo drinks Taboo number

Part 1 Background building Taboois a ritually sanctioned Taboo prohibition against contact with a thing, a person or an activity. The word itself originated in Polynesia where taboo played an important cultural role, but the concept is universal The use of the word“ taboo” is drawn fron“tapu meaning"not allowed ', and traces back to the year of 1777 and the English explorer Captain James Cook, visiting a place he named "the Friendly Islands(now Tonga)

Part 1 Background building Taboo “Taboo” is a ritually sanctioned prohibition against contact with a thing, a person or an activity. The word itself originated in Polynesia, where taboo played an important cultural role, but the concept is universal. The use of the word “taboo” is drawn from “tapu”, meaning “not allowed”, and traces back to the year of 1777 and the English explorer Captain James Cook, visiting a place he named “the Friendly Islands” (now Tonga)

Taboo Superstitions It means a belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance; or irrational belief that an object, an action, or a circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences the outcome. It means a prohibition, excluding something from use. approach, or mention because of its sacred and inviolable nature, or a ban or an inhibition resulting from social custom or emotional aversion

Taboo = Superstitions ? It means a belief, practice, or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance; or irrational belief that an object, an action, or a circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences the outcome. It means a prohibition, excluding something from use, approach, or mention because of its sacred and inviolable nature, or a ban or an inhibition resulting from social custom or emotional aversion

Taboo)≠ Superstitions notes: But sometimes, the concept of taboo and superstition can interlace with one another, for example, the people's attitude toward the number 135) in western countries

Taboo ≠ Superstitions Notes: But sometimes, the concept of taboo and superstition can interlace with one another, for example, the people’s attitude toward the number “13” in western countries

Part 2 Some Knowledge about Taboo A taboo is a strong social prohibitionor ban) against words, objects, actions, or discussions that are considered undesirable or offensive by a group, culture, society, or community. Therefore, breaking taboo is usually considered offensive. Some taboo activities or customs are even prohibited by law and transgressions may lead to severe penalties. Other taboos result in embarrassment, shame and rudeness. Thats why it is necessary for us to know some basic taboos in the western world to avoid awkward situations in communication

Part 2 Some Knowledge about Taboo A taboo is a strong social prohibition (or ban) against words, objects, actions, or discussions that are considered undesirable or offensive by a group, culture, society, or community. Therefore, breaking taboo is usually considered offensive. Some taboo activities or customs are even prohibited by law and transgressions may lead to severe penalties. Other taboos result in embarrassment, shame and rudeness. That’s why it is necessary for us to know some basic taboos in the western world to avoid awkward situations in communication

Taboo food Amphibians and Reptiles Both Judaism and Islam strictly forbid the consumption of amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes

Taboo food Amphibians and Reptiles Both Judaism and Islam strictly forbid the consumption of amphibians such as frogs and reptiles such as crocodiles and snakes

Nevertheless, frogs are raised commercially in certain countries and frog legs are considered a delicacy in France, Portugal, China, Caribbean and in parts of the USA and India

Nevertheless, frogs are raised commercially in certain countries and frog legs are considered a delicacy in France, Portugal, China, Caribbean and in parts of the USA and India

Birds The old Testament of the Bible explicitly states that the eagle, vulture, and osprey are not to be eaten. Interestingly, bats are also included in this list of "birds

Birds The Old Testament of the Bible explicitly states that the eagle, vulture, and osprey are not to be eaten. Interestingly, bats are also included in this list of “birds

Pigeons are raised and eaten in parts of the Middle East, Asia and Europe, where the young birds are known as“ squab Pigeon In North America, pigeons(as doves) are a hunted game bird in many areas, however, urban pigeons are considered unfit for consumption. Dove

Pigeon Dove Pigeons are raised and eaten in parts of the Middle East, Asia and Europe, where the young birds are known as “squab”. In North America, pigeons (as doves) are a hunted game bird in many areas, however, urban pigeons are considered unfit for consumption