How Words Change the Way We See Colors

The vocabulary diversity of countries speaking different languages ​​can be very different from each other. Even depending on this Even the color spectrum can change.

For example, the colors we call dark blue or turquoise may correspond to a single color in other countries. In fact, in some countries there is not even a word for colors! Now let’s take a closer look at how it shapes the colors…

Our language changes the way we perceive the world.

From the age when we start learning the language, we learn emotions, objects, colors, in short. divide everything into classes Here we go. Although we can perceive thousands of colors in the huge color spectrum, we classify as many as we use in communication.

However, this classification is not only from language to language; from profession to profession or between genders It may even change. For example, while there are color tones such as pomegranate blossom, rose pink, light pink, gypsy pink and dark pink for women, men can call all of these colors pink. Similarly, painters or fashion designers can classify colors in much more detail than people in other professions.

The color classification of countries speaking different languages ​​is completely different from each other.

For colors in the Dani language spoken in Papua New Guinea or the Bassa language spoken in Liberia and Sierra Leone only two words, dark and light It is located. The word used for dark means “cold”, while the word light means “hot”.

Let’s increase it a little more. It means color in the language spoken by the Warlpiri people living in the north of Australia. not even a word. Colors; They explain it with words that describe the intended use, physical sensation or form.

words used, according to the needs of that society and their culture is taking shape. If there is no need for them to use colors in their communication, those words do not exist in the language. This reveals that the phenomenon we call language is a living entity.

People who use the same word for different colors begin to see these colors more closely after a while.

In the eyes of people who do not have a separate word for dark blue, the color that we and Greek-speaking people refer to as navy blue (dark blue) It may be closer to blue. Moreover, this does not only apply to colors. Differences in languages ​​can affect our perception in all areas of life.

Our other content that may interest you: