Idiomatic Expressions with Colour Terms in English and Croatian

master's thesis

• Title (croatian): Idiomatski izrazi s nazivima za boje u engleskom i hrvatskom jeziku
• Author: Amanda Vanjek
• Mentor: Janja Čulig Suknaić (mentor)
• Committee member: Irena Zovko Dinković (predsjednik povjerenstva)
• Committee member: Ivana Bašić (član povjerenstva)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; (Department of English language and literature); Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2024-09-19, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: HUMANISTIC SCIENCES; Philology; Anglistics

Abstract

This thesis explores idiomatic expressions containing colour terms, especially colours black and white, in both English and Croatian, focusing on their meanings, usage, and cultural significance. By examining a corpus of idioms from each language, the study identifies similarities and differences in how these colours are employed metaphorically across both linguistic contexts. The research investigates the semantic and semiotic properties of these idioms, analyzing their figurative meanings and the extent to which they reflect universal or culture-specific concepts, thus revealing how color symbolism varies between the two languages. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of cross-cultural idiomatic expressions, offering insights into language, culture, and the role of colour and its symbolism in metaphorical thinking.

• Keywords: idioms; colours; English; Croatian; semantic analysis
• Language: english
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:131:572224
• Study programme: Title: English Language and Literature (double major); specializations in: Linguistics, Literature and Culture, Translation, TEFL; Course: Linguistics; Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: magistar/magistra engleskog jezika i književnosti (magistar/magistra engleskog jezika i književnosti)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Access restricted to students and staff of home institution
• Created on: 2024-09-24 09:34:21