LINGUOCULTURAL CODING OF THE COLOR CONCEPTS 'WHITE' AND 'BLACK' IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE: SEMANTIC STRUCTURES AND CULTURAL SYMBOLISM
Keywords:
color symbolism, white, black, linguocultural, metaphor, idioms, English language, semantic oppositions.Abstract
This article explores the semantic structures and cultural symbolism of the color concepts “white” and “black” within the English language, examining how they function not only as linguistic signifiers of visual phenomena but also as powerful tools for encoding values, beliefs, and social norms. Drawing upon cognitive linguistics and cultural studies, the study illustrates how these seemingly simple color terms reflect complex dichotomies such as good versus evil, purity versus corruption, and life versus death. By analyzing idiomatic expressions, metaphorical frameworks, and historical usage, the article reveals the deep-rooted associations of “white” and “black” in English-speaking cultures and their implications for intercultural communication and social understanding.
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