The Symbolic Meanings of Colors Between China and Western Countries
The Symbolic Meanings of Colors Between China and Western Countries
Abstract: This bright world is rich in colors. When people are enjoying the beautiful scenery of nature, they create many words to express what they have seen, the so-called “colors”. People formed a rich association about colors for different colors have different meanings, or symbolic meanings. The associated meanings of color words are the result of mapping from one domain to another. Because of the common sense shared by the people and their similar way of thinking, people with different cultural background are almost the same in perception and taste. That is to say, the symbolic meanings of colors have many points in common. While because of the differences in customs, environment, ways of thinking, religious beliefs and nationalities, color words are inevitably endowed with their differences in symbolism. This paper aims to present the differences of color symbolic meanings between China and western countries and explore the reasons that lead to the differences. And some international communicative failures caused by misunderstanding of color symbolic meanings are also given to enhance the importance of color words and their symbolic meanings. Key Words: color words; symbolic meaning; Chinese culture; Western culture; communicative failures
Table of Contents
1.Introduction 1
2. The Similar Symbolic Meanings of Color Words in China and Western Culture 2 2.1 Red 2 2.2 Green 3 2.3 Black 4 2.4 Other Colors 5
3. The Different Symbolic Meanings of Color Words in China and Western Culture 5 3.1 Red 6 3.2 White 6 3.3. Yellow 7 3.4 Other Colors 7
4. The Reasons for the Different Symbolic Meanings of Color Words in China and Westren Countries 8 4.1 Different Values 8 4.1.1 From Aesthetic Aspect 8 4.1.2 From Taboo Aspect 8 4.2 Different Religions 9 4.2.1 From Buddhish Aspect 9 4.2.2 From Christianity Aspect 10 4.3
Abstract: This bright world is rich in colors. When people are enjoying the beautiful scenery of nature, they create many words to express what they have seen, the so-called “colors”. People formed a rich association about colors for different colors have different meanings, or symbolic meanings. The associated meanings of color words are the result of mapping from one domain to another. Because of the common sense shared by the people and their similar way of thinking, people with different cultural background are almost the same in perception and taste. That is to say, the symbolic meanings of colors have many points in common. While because of the differences in customs, environment, ways of thinking, religious beliefs and nationalities, color words are inevitably endowed with their differences in symbolism. This paper aims to present the differences of color symbolic meanings between China and western countries and explore the reasons that lead to the differences. And some international communicative failures caused by misunderstanding of color symbolic meanings are also given to enhance the importance of color words and their symbolic meanings. Key Words: color words; symbolic meaning; Chinese culture; Western culture; communicative failures
Table of Contents
1.Introduction 1
2. The Similar Symbolic Meanings of Color Words in China and Western Culture 2 2.1 Red 2 2.2 Green 3 2.3 Black 4 2.4 Other Colors 5
3. The Different Symbolic Meanings of Color Words in China and Western Culture 5 3.1 Red 6 3.2 White 6 3.3. Yellow 7 3.4 Other Colors 7
4. The Reasons for the Different Symbolic Meanings of Color Words in China and Westren Countries 8 4.1 Different Values 8 4.1.1 From Aesthetic Aspect 8 4.1.2 From Taboo Aspect 8 4.2 Different Religions 9 4.2.1 From Buddhish Aspect 9 4.2.2 From Christianity Aspect 10 4.3
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