Abstract

This thesis has made a comparative study of cultural connotations of basic color terms in English and Chinese from the perspective of linguistics. By analyzing the five basic color terms widely accepted by scholars, we can undrstand the characteristics of basic color words. Then, the causes of cultural connotations of basic color words are summarized. At the beginning of the thesis, we point out the necessity of mastering the cultural connotations of the basic color words in English and Chinese. At last, it emphasizes the significance of knowing the connotations when we are dealing with cross-cultural communication and foreign language study. It is good for learners to know more about different cultures between China and western countries, and to communicate with people from different cultural background.

Key words: basic color words; cultural connotations; comparative study; difference

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. The Necessity of Mastering Cultural Connotations in English and Chinese Color Words-2

3. Comparison of Cultural Connotations between English and Chinese Color Words-2

   3.1 Red and 红-3

   3.2 Black and黑-4

   3.3 White and白-5

   3.4 Yellow and 黄-6

   3.5 Green and 绿-7

4. Causes of the Differences in Cultural Connotations between English and Chinese Color Words-8

   4.1 Differences of eating and living habits-8

   4.2 Differences of national psychology-8

   4.3 Differences of living environment.-8

   4.4 Differences of religious beliefs.-9

5. Conclusion-10

References-11