COLOUR TERMS IN BAHDINI KURDISH PROVERBS

Abstract

Colour is a strong communication method which, despite their denotative meanings, conveys different positive and negative messages since their meanings and connotations are language and culture based. The present study aims at investigating the meanings and the frequency of colour terms used in Bahdini Kurdish proverbs. To conduct the present study, data have been collected from different Kurdish proverb books. The results arrived at in the present study showed that the shades and hues of the basic colour terms are used a little in Kurdish proverbs compared with the basic colour terms. The colours are not occurred equally in Kurdish proverbs. Each colour term gives a different meaning, and sometimes the same connotation is interpreted by more than one colour term. Moreover, they have both positive and negative connotations.

Keywords

• Basic colour terms
• Connotation
• Proverbs
• Kurdish