Abstract
Color is a kind of human perception towards the objective world. In intercultural communications, the English people and the Chinese people are different in many aspects, and their perceptions of various color symbols are not the same. Color words in English and Chinese languages have rich connotations and play a very important role in both cultural manifestations and ethnic customs. This article discusses the Chinese and English symbolic meanings of the two color words, “black” and “white” in Chinese and English cultures. By comparing and contrasting these two words’ differences in the two cultures, we can deepen understanding of the two cultures, overcoming the conflicts and promoting Chinese and English cross-culture exchanges and communications.
Highlights
A particular color term may be associated with different things and emotions in different language communities. ―Color is powerful in expressing people’s emotion.‖ (Rudolf Arnheim, On Colors) So to have a good master of the differences of color words and their associations, indications and cultural connotations is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the Chinese and English cultures
By means of comparisons and examples, this article discusses the differences of the symbolic meanings of the two color words, ―black‖ and ―white‖, between Chinese culture and English culture
Once Qu Yuan made use of the phrase ―turn white into black‖ (黑白不分)to describe the chaotic situation of the time
Summary
The symbolic meanings of colors between Chinese culture and English culture are different from each other. In the Qing dynasty, the book that was authorized by the emperor is called ―red book‖ It is different from the ―red book‖ in English-speaking countries, which means the book with red cover. ―Color is powerful in expressing people’s emotion.‖ (Rudolf Arnheim, On Colors) So to have a good master of the differences of color words and their associations, indications and cultural connotations is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the Chinese and English cultures. By means of comparisons and examples, this article discusses the differences of the symbolic meanings of the two color words, ―black‖ and ―white‖, between Chinese culture and English culture
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