SEMANTICS OF COLOR DESIGNATIONS IN RUSSIAN AND CHINESE CULTURES

Abstract

This article explores the semantics of color designations in Russian and Chinese cultures, examining their historical, linguistic, and cognitive dimensions. The study highlights the universal and culture-specific aspects of color symbolism, drawing on theories by prominent scholars such as Anna Wierzbicka, Brent Berlin, and Paul Kay. It traces the evolution of color terminology, emphasizing the role of natural objects, social hierarchies, and philosophical traditions in shaping color meanings. 

The paper contrasts the abstract and object-based naming strategies in both languages, noting how cultural contexts influence color perception. For instance, Chinese color symbolism is deeply rooted in agrarian cycles, Confucian ethics, and Daoist cosmology, while Russian color terms often derive from poetic comparisons and folk traditions. The article also discusses the universal sequence of color term development proposed by Berlin and Kay, alongside culture-specific nuances. 

By analyzing linguistic structures, ethnographic data, and historical sources, the study demonstrates how colors serve as markers of identity, emotion, and social norms. The findings underscore the interplay between universal cognitive patterns and cultural uniqueness, offering insights for cross-cultural communication, linguistics, and anthropology.