Abstract:Color word is the general term of the words that describes color. It is a perception of the objective world, which can express human’s different feelings. What is the purpose of life? We are just trying to find some colors which can only belong to ourselves in this black and white world. Language, as a mediator of a culture, there are various forms. It is hard to avoid such problems in communication between Chinese and English. Chinese and western cultures are formed after a long time of accumulation and precipitation, so it is inevitable that there will be a variety of differences. Because of the different land and sea location, historical civilization background and conventional culture, these differences between countries could easily lead to misunderstandings. With the development of economy, the progress of science and technology, international exchanges are becoming more and more frequent， the bridge of communication has built between different countries. In order to avoid friction and misunderstanding in the cultural exchanges between China and the west, this paper focuses on comparing the differences of symbolic meanings and usage of these color words between Chinese and western cultures. 

Key words: color   difference   Chinese and Western cultures   usage

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

Chapter 1  Color-2

1.1 Definition of Color -2

1.2 Color in Languag-2

1.3 The Function of Color Words-3

Chapter 2  The Symbolic Meaning of Color Words-4

2.1 Meaning of Red-4

2.2 Meaning of White-5

2.3 Meaning of Black-5

2.4 Meaning of Yellow-6

Chapter 3  The Use of Color Words-8

3.1 The Use of Red in China and the West-8

3.2 The Use of White in China and the West-8

3.3 The Use of Black in China and the West-8

3.4 The Use of Yellow in China and the West-9

Conclusion-10

References-11

Acknowledgements-13