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The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differences in symbolic meanings as well as the cause for differences of color terms between Chinese and Western culture. Through the analysis of cultural connotation, it is easier for people to increase the understanding of Western culture and promote the exchange between Chinese and Western culture so that the conditions for cross-cultural communication can be more favorable.
2. Literature Review
At present, there are lots of studies about the color words, which involve various aspects. The beginning to explain the emergence of color words in Chinese is “yin-yang and the five elements”.With the progress of society, Chinese color words become more and more plentiful. So far, the number of color words in China is considerable. Zhang Qingchang published Chinese color words(outline) in 1991. In 2001 Ye Jun published The study of color words in modern Chinese, which analyzed the color words from its definition、categories、and process of formation. Li Hongyin published Modern Chinese color words analysis in 2007, carrying out a detailed study of the color words on the physical、cognitive psychology and linguistics theory. However, different from their studies on color terms, this paper makes an attempt to analyze cultural differences between Chinese and Western color terms.
3. Contrast of Color Terms in Chinese and Western Cultures
3.1 Definition of the Color Terms
Color is under the impression of the objective world，whether in the nature or social life. There exist a variety of colors. Color is a kind of visual effect of light that human beings generated through eyes, brain and our experience of life. It's the only subjective sensation of the external things of human beings. People identified the name of each kind of subjective feeling and these nouns were recorded. We called them color terms. Color terms are an organic component of a language. A large number of color terms enrich the language and the culture. At the same time, color terms have been endowed with more and more new meanings. As a symbol system, color terms are equipped with different values between Chinese and English.
3.2 The Same Color with the Same Meaning源'自:优尔-'论~文'网·www.youerw.com
Black is one of the most common colors used by people over the world. Both “black” and “黑” can mean “dirty”, “bad”, “evil”, “illegal” and “secret”. For example, “black water” and “黑水” indicate dirty or polluted water; “black-hearted” and “黑心肠的” mean that treating other people very badly; “黑社会” and “criminal syndicate” refer to the unlawful gangs doing some illegal activities as their jobs; “黑店” and “tourist trap” mean an inn run by brigands; “黑车” and “unlicensed cab” refer to the taxi without driving license and taxes paid; “smuggled goods” and “黑货” mean the unlawful carrying or selling goods; “black money” and “黑钱” imply that income is earned illegally; “black market” and “黑市” refer to the illicit buying and selling of goods. Besides, this color can be used to express “death”, “sadness” and “misfortune”. In both Western countries and China, people are accustomed to wear black to mourn the dead. “Black humor” and “黑色幽默” indicate a funny story, but show the unpleasant side of life; “black mood” and “黑色心情” refer to low spirit. There are also words like "黑户口" means the family without residence registration; "黑道" as “dark road or outlaws”.
Another popular color is red which is related to “warmth”, “happiness”, “lucky”. For example, Chinese people like to wear in red and decorate everything with red for wedding ceremonies; In the Spring Festival, particularly people give money wrapped in red paper envelopes as gifts to children for the best wishes. “开门红” represents good luck or a good beginning. In Western countries，the color red is also favorably accepted by everyone. “Red-letter day” means happy days; “paint the town red” implies holding a carnival. However, “red” and “红” are often used to stand for loss. They also represent “violence”, “danger” or “eroticism”, such as “red battle”, “red rules”, “杀红了眼”，”白刀子进红刀子出” . “Red alert” and “红色警报” symbolize dangerous situation; “red-light district” and “红杏出墙” imply pornography. What’s worse, red can be associated with certain emotions. “red-faced” is equal to the Chinese expression “脸红”, showing embarrassment or shyness; “to see red” and “面红耳赤” mean being angry; “红灯区” red light distinct. “In the red" does not represent red, but relating with red. Accounting in red ink shows losing, while black ink represents "in the black" is profit-making. Besides these two colors, there are more examples to show that the same color can express the same meaning even in different languages.