Abstract

Color is everywhere in our daily life. In the human language color words show unique charm and let people take notice. Color terms play an indispensable role in our life. Almost every language has color terms, in addition to referring to the color, they also stimulate association and imply social connotation. Associative meaning of color terms is a type of bonus or implied meaning cast by the specific national culture. Language is endowed with the function of carrying culture. Due to the different living habits, religious beliefs, geographical locations, cultural psychology and ways of thinking, the same color terms represent distinct social and cultural connotations in Chinese and Western languages. Therefore, in the promotion of cross-cultural communication, it is necessary to understand both similarities and differences in language and culture between China and the West. 

     This paper mainly compares the differences of color terms and analyses the causes for the differences between Chinese and Western culture through a lot of examples, so as to better the understanding of different cultures and promote cross-cultural communication.

Key words: color terms; cultural differences; symbolic meaning; causes

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-1

3. Contrast of Color Terms in Chinese and Western Cultures-2

3.1 Definition of the Color Terms-2

3.2 The Same Color with the Same Meaning-2

3.3 The Same Color with Different Meanings-3

3.4 Different Colors with the Same Meaning-4

4. Differences in Symbolism of Color Terms-5

4.1 Black-5

4.2 Yellow-5

4.3 Red-6

4.4 White-6

5. Reasons for Differences in Color Terms-7

5.1 Religious Beliefs-7

5.2 Living Environment-7

5.3 History and Culture-8

6. Conclusion-8

Works Cited-10