A Comparative Study on the Cultural Connotations of English and Chinese Plant Words

Abstract

 It is widely acknowledged that language serves as a carrier of culture. Rooted in unique cultural backgrounds and conveying specific cultural connotations, words worldwide represent the most fundamental and flexible elements of languages. The relationship between humanity and nature is interdependent, and plant culture is closely intertwined with connected to human life. Indeed, the appreciation of plants and the cultivation of aesthetic sensibilities have become meaningful pursuits for many individuals. This is attributable to two key aspects: First, owing to their significantly practical value, bamboos in nature are used to craft tableware, and flower petals serve as important ingredients in certain foods. Plants also play an essential role in air purification, thus rendering them indispensable to human life. Second, people often project their emotions and aspirations onto plants because of the latter’s distinctive shapes and growth habits. However, due to differences in cognitive patterns, religious beliefs, natural environments, and aesthetic values, plant-related vocabulary in English and Chinese embodies different cultural meanings. With the escalating global interaction, understanding the cultural connotations of plants is crucial to avoiding misunderstandings and facilitating effective cross-cultural communication. Cultural blending itself can transcend linguistic barriers and promote the construction of a global village. This essay explores the connotations, similarities and differences, social determinants, and significance of plant words to illuminate their distinct cultural interpretations.