Colour categories in different linguistic cultures

Abstract

The interest in defining color naming culture-specific features in multisystem languages is one of the relevant themes in linguistics. Numerous colors, their names, and symbolic sense are a peculiar reflection of mentality and culture for any nation. When designating nominatively, the ambiguity and multi-functionality of each color become an important part of the socio-mental world view, which has different ways of expression in different languages. The color naming unit peculiarities in multisystem languages, i.e., Kazakh, Russian and English, are the target of the research. The study focuses on the metaphorical and symbolic use of color naming groups in Kazakh, Russian and English. The research material provided a list of color namings, made up of a continuous sampling of definition, phraseological, bilingual Kazakh, Russian and English dictionaries, including fiction books. Based on the material of Kazakh, Russian and English languages, the authors attempted to define meanings of color spectrum most significant components for different cultures. It is well-known that color namings are an important phenomenon, reflecting the traditions and customs of different peoples. The authors have attempted to examine and describe the criteria for designating colors in a particular society, as well as to determine the role and place of this category in a language system.