Abstract

Between language and culture exits a strong relationship, and the same color words may have different symbolic meanings between Chinese and English culture. The chief causes of these differences are geographical positions, historical background, religions, customs, psychology and so on, so color words have implied meanings between China and English culture. Different languages have different meanings of color words in the world. It is generally known that color words can not be translated word-for-word, they have metaphorical meanings or similes. As an example, the use of red, white, black, yellow and green reflects different cultural cognition between Chinese and English culture. Through the analysis of five colors’ symbolic meanings and uses, this dissertation places an emphasis on how to use color words correctly. At the same time, the study explores the cultural and historical roots of the differences form aesthetic standard, cultural taboos and the use of colors in costumes. The purpose of this dissertation is to learn about color words well and avoid errors in cross-cultural communications.

Key words: aesthetic standards; cultural taboos; the use of colors in     

          costumes; symbolic meanings; the use of colors

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction 1

2. Different Values of Color Words between Chinese and English Culture.2

2.1 The aesthetic standard of color words2 

2.2 The cultural taboo about color words.3

2.3 The use of colors in costumes.4

3. Different Symbols of Color Words between Chinese and English Culture.5

3.1 The symbol of red.5

3.2 The symbol of white.5

3.3 The symbol of black.6

3.4 The symbol of yellow.6

3.5 The symbol of green.7

4. Different Uses of Color Words between Chinese and English Culture.8

4.1 The use of red.8

4.2 The use of white.9

4.3 The use of black9

4.4 The use of yellow10

4.5 The use of green.10

5. Conclusion.11

References13