ABSTRACT
This paper first draws out the concept of taboo custom in social communication, combining with the concept of taboo and social communication, and points out that it is a obstacle for the successful communication, especially the cross-cultural communication; then compares Sino-British social taboos in the following aspects: taboo custom in visiting, presenting and in verbal language. And then analyses the cause behind the difference between English and Chinese social taboos from the religious culture, value and thinking mode. Finally forecasts the development trend of social taboo in the context of globalization. This paper aims to eliminate or reduce the misunderstandings or friction in cross-cultural communication and to secure a smooth communication between the West and China,
1．Introduction 1
2. Taboo custom in social communication 2
3. Comparison of English and Chinese social customs 4
3.1 Taboo customs in visiting 4
3.2 Taboo customs in presenting 4
3.3 Taboo customs in verbal language 5
4. The causes behind the difference between English and Chinese social taboos 8
4.1 Religious culture difference 8
4.2 Value difference 9
4.3 Thinking modes difference 10
5．The development trend of social taboo in the context of globalization 12
6. Conclusion 14
Acknowledgements 15
References 16
