The objective of this paper is to ascertain contemporary Italian linguistic categorization of the macro-color BLUE, and compare the results to English interpretation of the same tasks. Native Italian speakers affirm that they habitually use three BLUE color terms: blu, azzurro, and celeste; often idealizing azzurro over blu, as being “more Italian”. I propose that according to the task results blu [BLUE] is the more primary and deeply entrenched basic color term (henceforth BCT); azzurro [AZURE - LIGHT BLUE] could also be a BCT, but should be considered a secondary BCT; and celeste [SKY BLUE - PALE BLUE] is a subordinate color term. What are the Italian BLUE term semantic relations: near synonymy, co-extension, or inclusion? Do azzurro and celeste violate the criterion that a BCT not be a hyponym of another color word, i.e., blu (Berlin and Kay 1969)? Does the semantic relation respond to the need to differentiate between the colors of the sky and the water?
Blu, azzurro, celeste- What color is blue for Italian speakers compared to English speakers?
SANDFORD, Jodi Louise
2012
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to ascertain contemporary Italian linguistic categorization of the macro-color BLUE, and compare the results to English interpretation of the same tasks. Native Italian speakers affirm that they habitually use three BLUE color terms: blu, azzurro, and celeste; often idealizing azzurro over blu, as being “more Italian”. I propose that according to the task results blu [BLUE] is the more primary and deeply entrenched basic color term (henceforth BCT); azzurro [AZURE - LIGHT BLUE] could also be a BCT, but should be considered a secondary BCT; and celeste [SKY BLUE - PALE BLUE] is a subordinate color term. What are the Italian BLUE term semantic relations: near synonymy, co-extension, or inclusion? Do azzurro and celeste violate the criterion that a BCT not be a hyponym of another color word, i.e., blu (Berlin and Kay 1969)? Does the semantic relation respond to the need to differentiate between the colors of the sky and the water?I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
