Abstract

Does a person’s perception of color symbolism depend on their cultural geographic origin? As color is often connected to different cultural elements, this study is intended as a contribution to advancing cross-cultural understanding in a globalizing world. The hypothesis states that the color perceived to be symbolic of various life events such as weddings, births, and deaths or emotions such as happiness and sadness, will vary based on a person’s cultural geographic origin. Using eleven basic color terms, as determined by Berlin and Kay (1969), subjects’ perceptions of color symbolism will be explored through responses to an online survey shared with a global convenience sample.

Acknowledgments

J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar

Advisor: Øystein LaBianca, Behavioral Sciences

Location

Buller Hallway

Start Date

3-7-2014 2:30 PM

End Date

3-7-2014 4:00 PM

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Mar 7th, 2:30 PM Mar 7th, 4:00 PM

P-06 The Diversity of Color: An Analysis of Cross-Cultural Color Symbolism

Buller Hallway

Does a person’s perception of color symbolism depend on their cultural geographic origin? As color is often connected to different cultural elements, this study is intended as a contribution to advancing cross-cultural understanding in a globalizing world. The hypothesis states that the color perceived to be symbolic of various life events such as weddings, births, and deaths or emotions such as happiness and sadness, will vary based on a person’s cultural geographic origin. Using eleven basic color terms, as determined by Berlin and Kay (1969), subjects’ perceptions of color symbolism will be explored through responses to an online survey shared with a global convenience sample.