chineseandenglishculturaldifferencesreflectedincolorterms(编辑修改稿)

chineseandenglishculturaldifferencesreflectedincolorterms(编辑修改稿)内容摘要：

(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. What‟s 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 mit 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 Mafialike gangs who are specialized to mit 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. Connotations of black in English culture Black 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 what‟s 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 can‟t 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 pletely. We all know, since 1960‟s “Negro” has taken place of black, which makes black people feel good and proud. 3. White Connotations of white in Chinese culture Chinese 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 people‟s rejection and disgust on material and spirit. Because it conveys unblooded and nonlife 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, “bais。