Since the dawn of time, humanity was and will always be social creatures thus affecting our daily lives to vast extents to be able to control how we behave around other humans. Back then when groups of people isolated from each other, this social notion was natural to them. We don't know the exact time frame that people started communicating interculturally and even grasp ideas from each other but we know that in 3500 BC Sumerians started to write, since then cultures started exchanging words.
When communicating with people from different cultures, it is key to be aware of the potential and latent misunderstandings or misdemeanour caused by the use of taboo words. It is also vital to be considerate to the cultural norms and values of the people you are communicating with, and to know how to adjust our language accordingly. In a nutshell taboo words are words or phrases that are regarded as socially unacceptable or offensive in a certain culture or society. In intercultural communication, the use of taboo words can cause significant problems due to the differing cultural norms and values surrounding the use of such language. In some cultures, the use of taboo words may be considered completely unacceptable and may even be illegal to some extent. In other cultures the use of such language may be more accepted, but still considered impolite or inappropriate in certain situations. It is important to be aware of these cultural situations and you need to have utmost respect for the people you are communicating with. Other than causing misdemeanour, use of taboo words in this kind of communication can also lead to confusion. For instance, a word that is considered a taboo in one culture may have a utterly different meaning in another culture. This can lead to confusion of the message conveyed. In conclusion, the use of taboo words in intercultural communication can cause significant misunderstandings that can impede effective communication. Furthermore, being aware of the norms and values surrounding the cultures is vital in order to communicate effectively and respectfully.
Keywords: Taboo, Intercultural, communication, society, social, communicate.
