Open AccessCultural Implications in Basic Color Terms “Black” and “White” in Chinese and English
Author(s) -
Wanchuan Yu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal for the study of english linguistics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2329-7034
DOI - 10.5296/jsel.v9i1.19099
Subject(s) - white (mutation) , ethnic group , perception , color term , intercultural communication , linguistics , cultural diversity , cross cultural communication , psychology , sociology , communication , anthropology , biochemistry , chemistry , philosophy , neuroscience , gene
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.