Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach

Yang Xiaoyue; Jiang Zhaozi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11

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Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach

Yang Xiaoyue, Jiang Zhaozi

Published in International Journal of Language and Linguistics (Volume 9, Issue 2)

Received: 4 March 2021 Accepted: 17 March 2021 Published: 26 March 2021

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Abstract

Color is closely related to people's lives, so it has become an indispensable part of the vocabulary now. This paper focuses on the research background, research purpose and significance of the color word “yellow” in Chinese and English, analyzing the entries from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, aiming to study the similarities, differences and the causes related. The author first collected and categorized entries through authoritative dictionaries of Chinese and English, and used the methods of comparative research, literature research and case analysis to elaborate commonalities and differences in word meanings. By researching the corresponding historical allusions and rhetorical methods, such as personification and symbols, we can feel the emotions expressed by the color words and deduce the evolution path of words' meaning. Through research, these conclusions can be drawn: 1) the meanings of “yellow” in Chinese and English are basically the same; 2) there is an unequal meaning between the two; 3) this unequal meaning is attributable and reflects the existence of two cultures values, cultural aesthetic and psychological differences. Through research, the aim is to allow learners to apply flexibly and accurately in cross-cultural business communication, daily life and linguistics learning, and to feel the charm of language.

Published in	International Journal of Language and Linguistics (Volume 9, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11
Page(s)	32-38
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Colour Words, “Yellow”, Cognitive Linguistics, Unequal

References

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[2]	Zhang Xiaoqin. A Brief Analysis of the Unique Symbolic Meaning of Chinese and Western Cultural Words [J]. Journal of Shandong Radio and TV University, 2019 (1): 41-43.
[3]	Zhong Shouman. Semantic cognition and semantic structure of color words [J]. Foreign Language Teaching, 2001 (4): 37-42.
[4]	Leech, Jeoffery (1891): The Study of Meaning, Longman, London and New York. Geoffrey n. Leach (1985): semantics, Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.
[5]	Wang Yin. What is Cognitive Linguistics [M]. Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press, 2011.
[6]	Yan Qinxia, A Contrastive Study of Basic Color Words in English and Chinese [D] Central China Normal University, 2003.
[7]	Zhang Chunhong, The Core Color Word "Yellow" in Chinese from the Perspective of Cognitive Linguistics [A] Huaxia Forum, 2016.
[8]	Li Dan. Translation of Color Words in the Context of Chinese and Western Cultural Differences [J]. Overseas English, 2018: 132-133.
[9]	Hu Zhuanglin. LINGUISTICS [M]. Beijing: Peking University Press, 2017.
[10]	Zhu Li. Research on the Cognitive Pattern of Chinese Color Word Translation: A Cognitive Linguistic Perspective [D]. Liaoning: Liaoning Normal University, 2006.
[11]	Xiao Liangrong. On Cultural Disequivalence of Colour Words in English and Chinese [J]. Journal of Shantou University, 1999 (6): 66-70.
[12]	Bai Hong A Study of English and Chinese Polysemy Phenomena Based on Cognitive Linguistics [J]. Teaching and Management, 2012 (30): 89-90.
[13]	Chen Jing. Cultural Differences between China and the West from the Perspective of "Yellow" and "Yellow" [J]. Science and Technology Information, 2013 (7), 239-234.
[14]	Yang Chunhui. The Difference of the Meaning of Yellow in Chinese and English [J]. Science, Education and Culture, 2003: 23.
[15]	Jiang Dong yuan. On the Cultural Differences of Color and Color Words [J]. Journal of Sichuan International Studies University, 2002 (2): 139.

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APA Style

Yang Xiaoyue, Jiang Zhaozi. (2021). Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach. International Journal of Language and Linguistics, 9(2), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11

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ACS Style

Yang Xiaoyue; Jiang Zhaozi. Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach. Int. J. Lang. Linguist. 2021, 9(2), 32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11

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AMA Style

Yang Xiaoyue, Jiang Zhaozi. Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach. Int J Lang Linguist. 2021;9(2):32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11,
  author = {Yang Xiaoyue and Jiang Zhaozi},
  title = {Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach},
  journal = {International Journal of Language and Linguistics},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {32-38},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijll.20210902.11},
  abstract = {Color is closely related to people's lives, so it has become an indispensable part of the vocabulary now. This paper focuses on the research background, research purpose and significance of the color word “yellow” in Chinese and English, analyzing the entries from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, aiming to study the similarities, differences and the causes related. The author first collected and categorized entries through authoritative dictionaries of Chinese and English, and used the methods of comparative research, literature research and case analysis to elaborate commonalities and differences in word meanings. By researching the corresponding historical allusions and rhetorical methods, such as personification and symbols, we can feel the emotions expressed by the color words and deduce the evolution path of words' meaning. Through research, these conclusions can be drawn: 1) the meanings of “yellow” in Chinese and English are basically the same; 2) there is an unequal meaning between the two; 3) this unequal meaning is attributable and reflects the existence of two cultures values, cultural aesthetic and psychological differences. Through research, the aim is to allow learners to apply flexibly and accurately in cross-cultural business communication, daily life and linguistics learning, and to feel the charm of language.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach
AU  - Yang Xiaoyue
AU  - Jiang Zhaozi
Y1  - 2021/03/26
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11
T2  - International Journal of Language and Linguistics
JF  - International Journal of Language and Linguistics
JO  - International Journal of Language and Linguistics
SP  - 32
EP  - 38
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-0221
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11
AB  - Color is closely related to people's lives, so it has become an indispensable part of the vocabulary now. This paper focuses on the research background, research purpose and significance of the color word “yellow” in Chinese and English, analyzing the entries from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, aiming to study the similarities, differences and the causes related. The author first collected and categorized entries through authoritative dictionaries of Chinese and English, and used the methods of comparative research, literature research and case analysis to elaborate commonalities and differences in word meanings. By researching the corresponding historical allusions and rhetorical methods, such as personification and symbols, we can feel the emotions expressed by the color words and deduce the evolution path of words' meaning. Through research, these conclusions can be drawn: 1) the meanings of “yellow” in Chinese and English are basically the same; 2) there is an unequal meaning between the two; 3) this unequal meaning is attributable and reflects the existence of two cultures values, cultural aesthetic and psychological differences. Through research, the aim is to allow learners to apply flexibly and accurately in cross-cultural business communication, daily life and linguistics learning, and to feel the charm of language.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Yang Xiaoyue

Foreign Language School, Linyi University, Linyi, China
Jiang Zhaozi

Foreign Language School, Linyi University, Linyi, China

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APA Style

Yang Xiaoyue, Jiang Zhaozi. (2021). Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach. International Journal of Language and Linguistics, 9(2), 32-38. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11

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ACS Style

Yang Xiaoyue; Jiang Zhaozi. Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach. Int. J. Lang. Linguist. 2021, 9(2), 32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Yang Xiaoyue, Jiang Zhaozi. Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach. Int J Lang Linguist. 2021;9(2):32-38. doi: 10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11,
  author = {Yang Xiaoyue and Jiang Zhaozi},
  title = {Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach},
  journal = {International Journal of Language and Linguistics},
  volume = {9},
  number = {2},
  pages = {32-38},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijll.20210902.11},
  abstract = {Color is closely related to people's lives, so it has become an indispensable part of the vocabulary now. This paper focuses on the research background, research purpose and significance of the color word “yellow” in Chinese and English, analyzing the entries from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, aiming to study the similarities, differences and the causes related. The author first collected and categorized entries through authoritative dictionaries of Chinese and English, and used the methods of comparative research, literature research and case analysis to elaborate commonalities and differences in word meanings. By researching the corresponding historical allusions and rhetorical methods, such as personification and symbols, we can feel the emotions expressed by the color words and deduce the evolution path of words' meaning. Through research, these conclusions can be drawn: 1) the meanings of “yellow” in Chinese and English are basically the same; 2) there is an unequal meaning between the two; 3) this unequal meaning is attributable and reflects the existence of two cultures values, cultural aesthetic and psychological differences. Through research, the aim is to allow learners to apply flexibly and accurately in cross-cultural business communication, daily life and linguistics learning, and to feel the charm of language.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Yellow in English and “黄” in Chinese: A Cognitive Approach
AU  - Yang Xiaoyue
AU  - Jiang Zhaozi
Y1  - 2021/03/26
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11
T2  - International Journal of Language and Linguistics
JF  - International Journal of Language and Linguistics
JO  - International Journal of Language and Linguistics
SP  - 32
EP  - 38
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2330-0221
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijll.20210902.11
AB  - Color is closely related to people's lives, so it has become an indispensable part of the vocabulary now. This paper focuses on the research background, research purpose and significance of the color word “yellow” in Chinese and English, analyzing the entries from the perspective of cognitive linguistics, aiming to study the similarities, differences and the causes related. The author first collected and categorized entries through authoritative dictionaries of Chinese and English, and used the methods of comparative research, literature research and case analysis to elaborate commonalities and differences in word meanings. By researching the corresponding historical allusions and rhetorical methods, such as personification and symbols, we can feel the emotions expressed by the color words and deduce the evolution path of words' meaning. Through research, these conclusions can be drawn: 1) the meanings of “yellow” in Chinese and English are basically the same; 2) there is an unequal meaning between the two; 3) this unequal meaning is attributable and reflects the existence of two cultures values, cultural aesthetic and psychological differences. Through research, the aim is to allow learners to apply flexibly and accurately in cross-cultural business communication, daily life and linguistics learning, and to feel the charm of language.
VL  - 9
IS  - 2
ER  -

Copy | Download