Chinese taboos
Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 10:39 am
In china, language taboos are enormous. Such as,
1 Why can't clock be a birthday present?
2 What's wrong by giving somebody an umbrella?
3 Why should fish folk avoid saying the word "fan"?
1.the word "clock" sounds similar to the word "death". Presenting a clock to someone sounds similar to present "death" to someone.
2. The word umbrella(san3) sounds similar to the word "separation"
3. Fish folk should avoid saying the word “fan” because they worry that might cause boat capsized. (“fan” sounds similar to the word “to capsize”)
Do you feel it's interesting? for more information, please come to http://www.chineseontheair.com sign up and enjoy your lesson for free!
1 Why can't clock be a birthday present?
2 What's wrong by giving somebody an umbrella?
3 Why should fish folk avoid saying the word "fan"?
1.the word "clock" sounds similar to the word "death". Presenting a clock to someone sounds similar to present "death" to someone.
2. The word umbrella(san3) sounds similar to the word "separation"
3. Fish folk should avoid saying the word “fan” because they worry that might cause boat capsized. (“fan” sounds similar to the word “to capsize”)
Do you feel it's interesting? for more information, please come to http://www.chineseontheair.com sign up and enjoy your lesson for free!