ABSTRACT

The colors in the nature are rich and various. All the colors are closely related to human beings and lives , and we are dealing with the colors all the time. There are many  kinds of colors in the world, and colors not only have their own unique physical attributes, but also a distinct reflection in the language. Although different languages have their own color terms, they also have many color terms in common, such as the basic color words, black, white, red, yellow, green, blue, etc. However, because of the different geographic conditions, national customs, histories, politics, economy and national psychology, they may be in the different expressions during the translating from one language to another. They all have their own cultural characters. This requires different methods during the process of translation.

There are plenty of color terms in both English and Chinese, but their connotations may be quite different. This thesis discusses the different implications and applications of color terms between English and Chinese in life, politics, religion, and so on. There are many differences in the use of colors and color terms as well as in the understanding and mastering the same color for the reasons of different language habits, thinking styles, social systems, traditional customs,  national psychology and other factors. Therefore, it is necessary to study these differences so that we can improve our language ability and make the intercultural communications successful. This thesis focuses on the translation of the color words from the cross-cultural perspective, aiming at confirming the suitable translating method and accurately transmitting information, which is beneficial to the cultural exchange and 

can help to enrich cultures on both sides.

Key words: color terms; cross-cultural perspective; literal translation; free translation; dynamic equivalence translation

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

1.1Research Background-1

1.2 Research Content-1

1.3 Research Methods-1

1.4 Purpose and Significance of the Thesis-2

Chapter Two LITERATURE REVIEW-3

Chapter Three THE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CULTURAL CONNOTATIONS OF COLOR TERMS BETWEEN ENGLISH AND CHINESE-5

3.1 Cultural Connotations of Color Terms-5

3.1.1 Basic color terms-5

3.1.1.1 Black-5

3.1.1.2 White-6

3.1.1.3 Red-7

3.1.1.4 Yellow-9

3.1.1.5 Green-10

3.1.1.6 Blue-10

3.1.2 Other color terms-11

3.2 Reasons for the Differences-12

3.2.1 Way of thinking-12

3.2.2 Value orientation-12

3.2.3 Political background and religion-13

Chapter Four STRATEGIES FOR TRANSLATING COLOR TERMS-14

4.1 Literal Translation-14

4.2 Free Translation-14

4.3 Literal Translation plus Free Translation-15

4.4 Dynamic Equivalence Translation-15

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-17

REFERENCES-18