Ever thought something as simple as soil could spark a cultural debate? That happened when Icelandic Sinologist Ragnar Baldursson discussed translating Chinese classics and bumped into a surprising color clash.
Baldursson described the soil in his homeland as "light brown" compared to the "dark brown" earth of Iceland. His Chinese classmate saw it differently and insisted the soil was "yellow." This wasn’t just a matter of preference—it revealed a fundamental difference in how colors are categorized in the Chinese color system, where brown often falls under the spectrum of yellow or other descriptive terms.
This anecdote shows how language and culture shape our perception of the world, from translating ancient texts to designing globally appealing products. For travelers, designers, and anyone working across borders, these insights can make the difference between a translation that resonates and one that misses the mark.
Next time you pick up a handful of soil or spot a new shade on your travels, consider the cultural lens through which you’re seeing it. It might just change the way you see the world—one color at a time.
Reference(s):
The color of earth: A story of how culture 'colors' perception
cgtn.com
