THE PLACE AND ROLE OF THE ADJECTIVE “WHITE” IN RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH

Abstract

The article provides a comparative analysis of the adjective “white” in Russian and English. The place and role of these adjectives in both languages is determined. It is noted that through colors it is possible to influence various human conditions, including physically and emotionally. Color designations are used to describe impressions, perception, and evaluation of the described. Therefore, in addition to direct nominations, color designations are included in the system of stylistic techniques. Epithets and comparisons, metaphorical and metonymic expressions, plot symbols, which use color-signifying components, have found wide application in literary texts of the Russian and English languages. The main nominative value of the word “white” is the color of snow, milk. It is widely used in the direct meaning in free phrases when it comes to naturally colored objects of white color. “White” can be the color of various materials, fabrics, paper products, clothing, shoes, hats, household items, furniture: white shawl, white paper, white fabric, white sofa, white shoes, white hat. The external manifestation of physiological reactions, paleness from fear, anger has long been expressed in both languages with the adjective “white”. It is not always possible to establish reasons that guided people in giving certain meanings and properties to colors. In the languages studied, there are many stable combinations that metaphorically characterize a person, his condition, or give a characteristic of something.