Abstract: Different cultures in China and English countries determine the great distance between applying and understanding the color words. This paper takes red, yellow, white and green for examples to make a comparative analysis, getting better understanding of the differences in Chinese and English environment and reflecting cultural connotation. Thus, cultural conflicts caused by language misunderstanding can be prevented. The research shows that color lexicon is influenced by historical tradition, geographical environment, religious belief and so on. Therefore, different connotations of words on colors both in Chinese and English should be mastered so as to further facilitate the smooth development of cross-culture.

Key words: cross-culture; cultural connotation; color words

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review.2

3. A Comparative Study on Cultural Connotations of Color Words Between  Chinese and English.4

 3.1 “紅” and “Red”

  3.1.1 Similar Connotations Between “紅” and “Red”

  3.1.2 Different Connotations Between “紅” and “Red”

 3.2 “黃” and “Yellow”

  3.2.1 Similar Connotations Between “黃” and “Yellow”

  3.2.2 Different Connotations Between “黃” and “Yellow”

 3.3 “白” and “White”

  3.3.1 Similar Connotations Between “白” and “White”

  3.3.2 Different Connotations Between “白” and “White”

 3.4 “綠” and “Green”

  3.4.1 Similar Connotations Between “綠” and “Green”

  3.4.2 Different Connotations Between “綠” and “Green”

4.Cross-cultural Root of Connotation Differences Between Chinese andEnglish Color Word10

 4.1 Historical Tradition

 4.2 Geographical Environment

 4.3 Religious Belief

5. Conclusion12

Bibliography.14

Acknowledgements15