Chinese and English Cultural Differences Reflected in Color Terms.doc

Chinese and English Cultural Differences Reflected in Color TermsA ThesisSubmitted toXingtan CollegeQufu Normal UniversityIn Partial Fulfillment of the RequirementsFor the Degree of Bachelor of Arts ACKNOWLEDGMENTSI am deeply indebted to Zhu He, my supervisor, who has given me constant and valuable advice, read my drafts through meticulously and offered incisive comments on them. Without her help, the thesis could never have reached its present form. I am also grateful to Professor Yu Jie and Professor Sun Huaxiang who has made me improve a lot in English literature and has shown me the fascinating world of English language and western culture, given me valuable advice and polished the thesis as well. My sincere gratitude also goes to all my teachers who have given me excellent lectures and great help, which are indispensable to the completion of this thesis. I also give my hearty thanks to all my classmates who had offered generous help and useful suggestions in the process of writing this thesis. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to all the writers whose works have been referred to in this thesis. 摘 要语言不仅是文化的一部分，而且可以如镜子般反映文化。语言不仅仅可以描述事实、事件或者是其本身的意思，也可以体现人们的思想、价值观和国家的心理认同感等。不同文化的人对相同的语言有不同的反应。日常生活中，颜色词的使用可以体现文化的不同。我们不仅应当注意到颜色词的基本意义，而且也应该注意到其延伸意义。由于文化各异，英汉颜色词的象征意义也不同。因此，有时一种颜色在一个国家很受欢迎而在另一个国家却成了禁语。我们可以通过分析颜色词的象征意义来找出汉英文化的差异。在现实生活中，几乎所有的事物都可以用颜色词来表示，例如，政治、经济，甚至是人的性格。本文将通过分析红色、黑色、白色和黄色的不同象征意义找出英汉文化的差异。关键词：颜色词；象征意义；文化差异；习语ABSTRACTLanguage is not only a part of culture but also a mirror of it. A language cant merely express facts, events and basic meaning of itself. At the same time, it can also represent peoples thought, values and even the national psychology. People of different cultures respond to a certain language in different ways. In our daily life, color words are the common illustration of cultural differences in language use. It should be noticed that not only its original meanings but also its symbolic meanings are important. Owing to striking respective cultural background, the symbolic meaning of color can sometimes be quite distinct between English and Chinese. In this way, some color words are adorable to some people, but taboos to other people. Now that color terms vary from culture to culture, we can get a clue of differences between Chinese and English culture through analyzing them. Almost everything can be reflected by color words, such as economy, political, even personality and so on. This paper covering red, black, white and yellow, tries to explore cultural differences on the basis of analyzing their symbolic meanings, connotations and the use in idioms. Key words: color words, symbolic meaning, cultural differences, idioms CONTENTS0. Introduction.11. Red.11.1 Connotations of red in Chinese culture.11.2 Connotations of red in English culture.32. Black.42.1 Connotations of black in Chinese culture.42.2 Connotations of black in English culture.53. White.63.1 Connotations of white in Chinese culture.63.2 Connotations of white in Chinese culture.74. Yellow.84.1 Connotations of yellow in Chinese culture.84.2 Connotations of yellow in English culture.95. Four causes of different connotations of the same color words.105.1 Historical background .105.2 Geographical environment .115.3 Religion.115.4 Customs .126. Conclusion.12Works Cited.140. introductionLanguage, as an important and essential part of culture, expresses and embodies cultural reality, and helps to perpetuate the culture. With their own characteristics, the words of color reveal the charm of language. We cant imagine what the world would be, if there are no colors in variety. Colors are always thought as useful and powerful description tools in our daily life. Both English and Chinese are rich in color words, which not only express different kinds of colors but also represent various connotations and wide-ranging symbolic meanings. However, because of the historical background, the aesthetic interest, religions and natural phenomena etc. are different between China and Western countries, peoples feeling and sense towards the same color may be different, and the symbolic meaning of color words will give rise to numerous differences. Different nations always endow words with meanings of their own national culture. “Color words reflect the different connotations in different language” (Wang 50). In this way, there are many differences when different national people use color words in language.In order to avoid cultural shock and promote cross-cultural communication, it is indispensable to study, discuss and understand cultural differences between Chinese and English color words. So that exact and flexible master the special meaning of color words is conductive to better comprehend cultural differences between Chinese and Western countries. This paper will discuss cultural differences between English and Chinese by the comparison of certain symbolic meaning of color words. 1. Red1.1 Connotations of red in Chinese cultureRed color is the most favorite and advocated color in our nation, embodying Chinese peoples material and spirits pursuits. It handed down from ancient times and popularized in our traditional cultures. The love for red color stemmed largely from the sun worship. In ancient times, our ancestors get warmth and light from the sun and use the fire to cook and beat beasts off. Since then, the strong impression they got from the sun and fire is red. So red for Chinese people stands for security, happiness, joyful, success and many other positive symbolic meanings. During the day of Chinese traditional wedding, the bride is in red suits and shoes, and the bridegroom wears big red flower on the breast. We also can get a clue from Chinese important festivals. When we are celebrating the Chinese New Year, we put up red couplets on our gates, and children are willing to ask for bonus that means “hongbao” (红包) in China. In addition, we like to hang big red lanterns on happy days and cheerful occasions to provide festive ambience. Red can be a symbol of success and victory. If we achieve success at the first step, we tend to say “kaimenhong” (开门红) if the business is flourished and prosperous, we always use “honghuo” (红火) to express. And also, we call one who is admired or appreciated by others or his/her superiors “hongren” (红人). In addition, Red color is also used to express beautiful and beguiling women. We use “hongyan” (红颜) to refer to very beautiful women. And, “hongzhuang” (红妆) means womens splendid and gorgeous make-up. “Hongxiu” (红袖) refers to young amazing lady. Moreover, red color is the representation of noble and power. In ancient time, “honglou” (红楼) are mansions or dwellings of rich or noblemens daughters. Also, in our nation, walls of loyal palace are red. Besides, in contemporary Chinese language, red color has close relation to politics, symbolizing progress and revolution. As we all know, the first armed forces is called “hongjun” (红军). And, the first regime of Communist Party is called “hongsezhengquan” (红色政权). Also, books wrote by Chairman Mao are called “red treasured books”.However, in our nation, red color can also express something that is not good. “Hongyanbing” (红眼病) is a familiar phrase in Chinese vocabulary, which refers to people who tends to be jealous and envious. “Hongxingchuqiang” (红杏出墙) is another familiar one, expressing women who are not loyal to her husband. In addition, we use “shahongleyan” (杀红了眼) to express a cruel and violent man. And, we use “honglazi” (红辣子) to express bad tempered women. 1.2 Connotations of red in English culture“Color words in English and Chinese have more differences than similarities” (Li 45). In our nation, we endow red color many positive and good symbolic meaning. However, in Western countries, red is a color of danger, tension, and indignation. Red can be used to express cruelty and violence. In English “red revenge” means bloody and cruel revenge. And, “red revolution” means bloody and violent revolution. And also, “red activities” refers to radical and crazy activities led by wild left-winger. In addition, Red can be used to express warnings, dangers and tensions. Western people use “red alert” to refer to air raid warnings. And, they use red flag to indicate danger. Also, a gripping and horrified story can be called “a red story”. Moreover, Red can be used to express misconducts. According to the Bible, if a woman committed the crime of adultery, a scarlet “A” will be impressed on her dress for punishment. In addition, in western countries, when they say “a red waste boyish”, they mean a boy who wastes his youth in dissolute and wild way. Also, “a red-light district” means a vice establishment. Besides, “color words are often used in technical terms of economy” (Li 42). Red color is no exception. It can refer to a loss state. Western people use “red link” to refer to deficit. And, they use “be in the red” to express the state of losing money. In addition, if American financial institution gives an area a red line, it means the government will enclose this area and refuse to provide financial support.Though western people endow many negative meaning of red color, they believe that red is the color of the sun, which can bring them power and hope. In this way, red in English culture has some positive and commendatory symbolic meanings. For example: They use “red-letter day” to refer to the very important and special day, such as Christmas Day, Good Friday, National Day, etc. “To paint the town red”, in English, means people go out to enjoy the boisterous and excited time in club or bars. In addition, “rolling out red carpet for someone” means laying a strip of red carpet for an important visitor to walk on when he or she arrives.2. Black2.1 Connotations of black in Chinese culture In ancient times, black means “tianxuan” (天玄), which conveys to people a mysterious and serious sense and feeling. “Based on the interpretation of 五方 (wufang), the north is black, the color of night ” (Deng & Liu 362). Chinese people endow some solemn and mystery meaning with black color. For example: In Beijing opera, black facial make-up is the symbol of the person who is upright and impartial, such as, Bao Zheng (包拯) and Zhang Fei (张飞). In addition, ancient Chinese people worshipped the God in heaven and gave their adoration to the color of black. Hence, in some dynasties, emperors and major officials wore in black, especially in some formal occasions. Whats more, in modern time, in our nation, we put on black silk to console the departed person. Black is the color of night, and hence, it is the symbol of darkness. Under the influence of western culture, black in our nation can be used to express negative qualities and something illegal. Before the Qin dynasty, one of the punishments for criminals was impressing black characters on their forehead. In this way, black in our nation can be used to represent illegality and something that is not good. For example:Black can be used to refer to illegality. In Chinese, “heidao” (黑道) means gangs of people who are specialized to commit crimes. And, we use “heimu” (黑幕) to express something is done secretly by intention. We call shops opened illegal “heidian”(黑店). In addition, black can be used to express negative personality. We always use “heixinchang” (黑心肠) to refer to people who have evil minds and intention which can do harm to other people. And, “fuhei” (腹黑) can express vicious and wicked person. Also, we use “heieshili” (黑恶势力) to express Mafia-like gangs who are specialized to commit crimes. Moreover, Black can be used to symbolize politics in our nation. We use “heixian” (黑线) to refer to wrong policies and counter principles. And, we use “heiwulei” (黑五类) to refer to reactionaries, rightists, the rich and bad elements in Cultural Revolution. 2.2 Connotations of black in English cultureBlack is a taboo color in English culture. It has its own connotations. In the Bible, black color stands for misfortune, devil, suffering and evil. In the west, wearing in black in the festival is rude, because it is the color of funeral. It is the symbol of crime and illegality. We use “blackmail” to refer to the crime of gaining money from a person by threatening. In English, people use “blackguard” to refer to a guy who is dishonest, and does not know whats right and wrong. “Black behavior” means an evil and immoral behavior. “Black market” refers to a market for illegal trade. And, the black economy refers to the business work that is done without the knowledge of government so that people avoid paying tax on the money they earned. In addition, black stands for humiliation. In western countries, “black sheep” refers to a person who is different from the rest of their family or group, and who is considered bad or embarrassing. In old English, a police van that was used to transport prisoners is called “black Maria”. Besides, “black information” means information kept by banks or other financial institutions about people who cant be trusted to pay any money back that is lent to them. Moreover, it is the symbol of death, disaster and unluckiness. In western funerals, people will be in black to console the departed people. We know “Black Friday” is the day Jesus died, which is thought as a disastrous and unlucky day. We call the very infectious disease in 14th century “black Death”.Because black color is a taboo in English culture, it has few positive symbolic meanings. In business English, “in the black” has the good meaning, which means running a lucrative business. In addition, western people use “in black and white” to express a way that can make people know something bad or good clearly and completely. We all know, since 1960s “Negro” has taken place of black, which makes black people feel good and proud.3. White3.1 Connotations of white in Chinese cultureChinese people always think of white snow with the color of “white”, which is associated to “pureness”, “elegance”, and “simplicity”, so white can convey us some positive symbolic meaning in our nation. In ancient times, the sudden appearance of white birds and white beasts was considered “auspicious”. In Chinese, “jiebaiwuxia” (洁白无瑕) means something is as white and flawless as jade. When we refer to a person who is innocent, we use “qingbaiwuxia” (清白无瑕) to express. In addition, we call nurses in hospital “baiyitianshi”(白衣天使). In traditional Chinese culture, white as opposed to red is a basic taboo color. It reflects Chinese peoples rejection and disgust on material and spirit. Because it conveys un-blooded and non-life sense to people, white color always refers to death and ill omen. In our nation, after the death of one, family members must dress in white and wear white shoes as well as white flowers as a way of showing their respect to the dead, and to express their sorrow. We also call holding funeral “baishi” (白事). In the past, white is associated to poor and inferior, and it could be used to imply the low class in China. In ancient times, we use “baiyi” (白衣) or “baishen” (白身) to refer to people who are in humble place, and had no official titles. And, we call illiterates “baiding” (白丁). In addition, when we refer to the people who are very poor and have nothing at all, we use “baishou” (白手). Moreover, white in Chinese has some other negative connotations that have something to do with politics. As the symbol of reaction and action, white usually means a politically ultraconservative or reactionary people who are opposite to the red. “baiqu” (白区) in Chinese means the place which is taken up by the reactionaries and rebellions. During the civil in China, we call the army forces of Kuomintang “baifei” (白匪) or “baijun” (白军). “Baisekongbu” (白色恐怖) means the frantic repression by reactive. Besides, white can also refer to in vain, expressing blank or useless. When we say “baifeiliqi” (白费力气), we mean doing something is just wasting time and energy. And also, “baida” (白搭) means something is no use or no good. In addition, “baisong” (白送) conveys the message of giving somebody something with no charge or no price. White is also a symbol of failure or foolishness. When beaten in a war, losers tend to take a white flag to show surrender.3.2 Connotations of white in English culture In English, white is one of the frequently used colors, and its connotations are mostly positive. White makes one think of immaculacy in English, so the white color is the symbol of God, angles, happiness and purity. In ancient Greece, people believed that sleeping with the white pajamas can have good dreams. In the Bible, each angel commonly has a pair of white wings, floating with silver-white Halo on the head.In wes