《Lesson 105 Japanese Taboos》.pdf

The Bob and Rob Show Study Guide Lesson 105: Japanese Taboos date: Sept 30, 2007 file name: bobrob 09-30-07 Show notes This week Bob and Rob discussed some acts and behavior that are considered taboo in their country of residence, Japan. Let’s hope it is enlightening both culturally and linguistically. Phrasal Verbs and Idioms to warn away To tell a ship, an aircraft, or person not to come near a place because its dangerous e.g: The radiation sign, with the skull and crossbones, warned people away from the toxic dump. to warn off 1) To advise someone not to come near a place, or to leave a place alone (often in a threatening way). e.g: The security guard warned us off the golf course and told us not to come back. 2) To advise someone about something in an unthreatening manner eg: My mother tried to warn me off smoking, but I never listened to her, and now I have lung cancer. Idioms: “to be frowned on / upon” To be thought of disapprovingly e.g: In Japan, generally, its frowned on to eat and walk in the street at the same time. Extra Idiom: “off limits” To be out of bounds, not permitted, not allowed eg: In Japan, speaking ill of the Japanese emperor is off limits. Bonus Idiom: “a no-no” To be unacceptable to the societal norm, or to tell someone that something is unacceptable behavior e.g: I told my son that talking with food in his mouth was a no-no. AJESS This week we looked at ways to demand an explanation. Be careful how you use this language. Can you explain why Im not allowed to blow my nose in public? Do you mean to say that I shouldnt eat food on the train? I dont understand why you always have to wear your shoes in the home. Why is it that men in some cultures kiss each other when they greet? How come you got so mad when I passed you some food with my chopsticks? Both Sides of the Pond (US) license (UK)licence (US) liter (UK)litre (US) fiber (UK) fibre (US) harbor (UK) harbour (US) czar (UK) tsar (US) program (UK)