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Color term Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Color Terminology: Linguistics and Perception

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Color Terminology: Linguistics and Perception Study Guide

Defining Color Terms and Dimensions

A color term exclusively refers to the human perception of color, irrespective of physical properties.

Answer: False

Explanation: A color term can refer to either the subjective human perception of color or an objective physical property, such as a specific wavelength of light. Therefore, it does not exclusively refer to perception.

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Hue, Saturation, and Luminosity are the three primary dimensions used to describe color in typical human vision.

Answer: True

Explanation: Human color vision is fundamentally trichromatic, described by three primary dimensions: Hue (the pure color), Saturation (vividness or paleness), and Luminosity (brightness or intensity).

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Saturation measures the perceived intensity or brightness of a color.

Answer: False

Explanation: Saturation refers to the vividness or paleness of a color, essentially its 'colorfulness.' Perceived intensity or brightness is referred to as Luminosity.

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What fundamental aspect does a color term primarily refer to, according to the source?

Answer: A word or phrase used to refer to a specific color, either perceived or physical.

Explanation: The source defines a color term as a word or phrase used to denote a specific color, encompassing both the human perception of color and its underlying physical properties.

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Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary dimensions used to describe color in human vision?

Answer: Wavelength

Explanation: The three primary dimensions used to describe color in human vision are Hue, Saturation, and Luminosity. Wavelength is a physical property of light related to hue, but not a perceptual dimension itself.

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What does the color dimension 'Saturation' refer to?

Answer: The vividness or paleness of the color.

Explanation: Saturation quantifies the intensity or purity of a color, indicating how vivid it is. A highly saturated color is pure, while a desaturated color appears muted or closer to gray.

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Classifying Color Terms

Monolexemic color words are formed by combining multiple root words.

Answer: False

Explanation: Monolexemic color words, such as 'red' or 'blue,' are composed of a single, basic root word. Compound color words, conversely, are formed by combining multiple words or using prefix adjectives.

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For a term to be considered a 'basic color term', it must be monolexemic, high-frequency, and agreed upon by speakers as distinct.

Answer: True

Explanation: Linguistic research defines basic color terms as those that are monolexemic (single root word), frequently used, and recognized by speakers as distinct color concepts.

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English possesses exactly ten basic color terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: English possesses eleven basic color terms: black, white, red, green, yellow, blue, brown, orange, pink, purple, and gray. This number is typical for languages at later stages of color term development.

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Terms like 'lightness', 'darkness', and 'paleness' are classified as non-dimensional terms.

Answer: False

Explanation: Terms such as 'lightness,' 'darkness,' and 'paleness' are classified as non-hue terms, describing dimensions of color like luminosity and saturation, rather than physical phenomena.

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'Salmon' and 'rose' are examples of abstract color terms because their connection to the original object is lost.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Salmon' and 'rose' are examples of descriptive color terms, as their names are derived from objects (the fish and the flower). Abstract color terms, like 'red' or 'blue,' refer to the color itself, having lost their original object connection.

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English basic color terms 'pink', 'purple', and 'orange' are considered arguably descriptive.

Answer: True

Explanation: Terms like 'pink' (from the flower), 'purple' (from Tyrian dye), and 'orange' (from the fruit) are considered arguably descriptive basic color terms in English because their origins are tied to specific objects or phenomena.

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'Lightness' is an example of a non-hue term describing color dimensions like high luminosity and low saturation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lightness is indeed a non-hue term, used to describe color dimensions related to high luminosity and low saturation, distinguishing it from terms that refer to the pure hue itself.

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A word like 'red' or 'blue', composed of a single, basic root word, is defined as:

Answer: A monolexemic color word.

Explanation: A monolexemic color word is characterized by its composition from a single, fundamental root word, such as 'red,' 'blue,' or 'green.'

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According to linguistic research cited, which criterion is essential for a term to be considered a 'basic color term'?

Answer: It must be agreed upon by speakers as a distinct color concept.

Explanation: A fundamental criterion for a term to be classified as 'basic' is that it must be recognized and agreed upon by the speakers of a language as representing a distinct color concept, in addition to being monolexemic and high-frequency.

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How many basic color terms does the provided text state that English possesses?

Answer: Eleven

Explanation: The text specifies that English possesses eleven basic color terms: black, white, red, green, yellow, blue, brown, orange, pink, purple, and gray.

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Which of the following is an example of a *descriptive* color term?

Answer: Saffron

Explanation: Descriptive color terms are derived from the names of objects or phenomena that possess that color. 'Saffron' is derived from the spice, making it a descriptive term, unlike basic terms like 'red,' 'blue,' or 'green.'

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Which of the following is an example of a 'non-dimensional' term used in color description?

Answer: Metallic

Explanation: Non-dimensional terms describe physical phenomena related to color, such as surface reflection or texture. 'Metallic' describes the appearance of metal, distinct from dimensions like hue, saturation, or luminosity.

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What is the primary characteristic of 'abstract' color terms?

Answer: They refer solely to the color itself, losing original object connection.

Explanation: Abstract color terms, such as 'red' or 'blue,' are characterized by referring directly to the color itself, having evolved to the point where their original connection to specific objects or phenomena is no longer primary or evident.

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Linguistic Relativity and Language-Specific Color Systems

The Finnish word 'Vaaleanpunainen' (pink) is presented as an example of a compound color word.

Answer: False

Explanation: While 'Vaaleanpunainen' (pale-red) is formed by combining elements ('pale' and 'red'), the text specifically presents it as an example of an agglutinative color term, distinguishing it from typical compound color words derived from object names or descriptive prefixes.

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The Ovahimba people use color names such as 'zuzu' for dark shades and 'buru' for certain greens and blues.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ovahimba language categorizes colors differently, using terms like 'zuzu' for a range of dark shades and 'buru' for specific greens and blues, illustrating non-Western color classification systems.

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Languages like Russian and Italian have fewer basic color terms than English because they lack a distinct term for light blue.

Answer: False

Explanation: Languages such as Russian and Italian often possess distinct terms for light and dark blue, meaning they do not necessarily have fewer basic color terms than English. In fact, they may have more nuanced distinctions within the blue spectrum.

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The Irish term 'glas' refers to artificial greens found in dyes or paints.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Irish term 'glas' is used for the natural green color of plants, while 'uaine' refers to artificial greens found in dyes or paints. This distinction highlights context-based color naming.

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Linguistic relativity posits that language has no influence on how we perceive or categorize colors.

Answer: False

Explanation: Linguistic relativity, particularly the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, suggests that the structure of a language influences its speakers' worldview and cognition, including how they perceive and categorize phenomena like color.

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Krempel's research concluded that language differences significantly alter color perception.

Answer: False

Explanation: Krempel's research investigated the impact of language on color experience and found that empirical studies did not conclusively demonstrate that language differences significantly alter color perception.

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The Irish language distinguishes between 'glas' and 'uaine' based on what criterion?

Answer: Origin (natural vs. artificial source of the color).

Explanation: The Irish distinction between 'glas' (natural green) and 'uaine' (artificial green) highlights how language can categorize colors based on their source or context, rather than solely on visual properties.

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What does the concept of 'linguistic relativity' suggest about language and color perception?

Answer: Language spoken influences how colors are perceived and categorized.

Explanation: Linguistic relativity posits that the specific language one speaks can shape or influence how individuals perceive, categorize, and conceptualize phenomena, including colors.

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How do the basic color terms of languages like Russian and Hebrew differ from English, according to the text?

Answer: They include distinct terms for light and dark blue.

Explanation: Languages such as Russian and Hebrew often possess separate basic color terms for light blue and dark blue, a distinction not typically made with single basic terms in English.

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The Irish distinction between 'glas' and 'uaine' for green highlights a nuance where:

Answer: The terms differentiate based on the perceived origin or context of the color, not just the hue.

Explanation: The Irish distinction between 'glas' (natural green) and 'uaine' (artificial green) demonstrates that color categorization can be influenced by factors beyond hue, such as the origin or context of the color.

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The Berlin and Kay Universal Color Term Hierarchy

The Berlin and Kay study concluded that color term development across languages follows no discernible pattern.

Answer: False

Explanation: The seminal Berlin and Kay study (1969) proposed that the evolution of basic color terms across languages follows a predictable, universal hierarchy, indicating a discernible pattern rather than random variation.

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Stage I of the Berlin and Kay hierarchy is characterized by languages distinguishing between dark/cool colors and light/warm colors.

Answer: True

Explanation: Stage I languages typically make a primary distinction based on lightness or warmth, grouping colors into broad categories such as 'dark/cool' (e.g., black, blue, green) and 'light/warm' (e.g., white, yellow, red).

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The introduction of 'blue' as a distinct basic color term occurs in Stage IV of the Berlin and Kay model.

Answer: False

Explanation: The introduction of 'blue' as a distinct basic color term typically occurs in Stage V of the Berlin and Kay hierarchy. Stage IV usually incorporates green or yellow.

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Stage VI of the Berlin and Kay hierarchy is typically marked by the addition of 'purple' as a basic color term.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stage VI of the Berlin and Kay hierarchy typically introduces 'brown.' 'Purple' is usually among the terms added in later stages, such as Stage VII.

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The Berlin and Kay study (1969) proposed that the number and type of basic color terms in languages:

Answer: Follow a predictable, universal hierarchy and evolutionary order.

Explanation: Berlin and Kay's influential study posited that the development and structure of basic color terms across diverse languages adhere to a universal evolutionary hierarchy, indicating a predictable pattern.

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What is the primary distinction made in Stage I of the Berlin and Kay color term hierarchy?

Answer: Distinction between dark/cool colors and light/warm colors.

Explanation: Stage I of the Berlin and Kay hierarchy is characterized by the most basic color distinctions, typically differentiating between broad categories of dark/cool colors and light/warm colors.

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In the Berlin and Kay model, which color term is typically introduced *after* red and *before* blue?

Answer: Green or Yellow

Explanation: Following the introduction of red (Stage II), the next stages (III and IV) typically see the emergence of terms for green or yellow, before blue is introduced in Stage V.

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Which stage in the Berlin and Kay hierarchy is marked by the introduction of 'blue' as a distinct basic color term?

Answer: Stage V

Explanation: The introduction of 'blue' as a distinct basic color term signifies Stage V in the Berlin and Kay model, representing a significant advancement in a language's color vocabulary.

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Which of the following pairs correctly identifies a Berlin & Kay stage and its characteristic color term introduction?

Answer: Stage V - Introduction of Blue

Explanation: Stage V in the Berlin and Kay hierarchy is marked by the introduction of 'blue' as a distinct basic color term, representing a significant development in color vocabulary.

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What does the text suggest about the development of color terms in Stage VII and beyond?

Answer: The introduction order of terms like orange, pink, purple, or gray becomes less strictly hierarchical.

Explanation: In Stage VII and subsequent stages of the Berlin and Kay model, the acquisition of further color terms such as orange, pink, purple, and gray tends to follow a less rigidly defined hierarchical order compared to the earlier stages.

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Philosophical and Perceptual Aspects of Color

Wittgenstein believed that understanding color terms required examining the 'language games' involved.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ludwig Wittgenstein proposed that the meaning and understanding of color terms are embedded within specific 'language games,' emphasizing the practical use and context of language rather than abstract definitions.

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Frank Jackson's 'knowledge argument' suggests that knowing all physical facts about color is sufficient to know everything about color experience.

Answer: False

Explanation: Frank Jackson's 'knowledge argument' posits the opposite: that knowing all physical facts about color is *not* sufficient to know everything about color experience, as demonstrated by the thought experiment of Mary, who gains new knowledge upon experiencing color.

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The 'inverted spectrum' argument suggests that two people using the same color terms must have identical subjective color experiences.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'inverted spectrum' argument explores the possibility that two individuals could use color terms identically while having fundamentally different subjective color experiences (qualia), thus questioning the link between language and private perception.

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Color constancy is the phenomenon where the perceived color of a surface changes dramatically under different lighting conditions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Color constancy is the perceptual phenomenon where the perceived color of a surface remains stable and consistent despite variations in lighting conditions, rather than changing dramatically.

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'Cognitive convenience' in color naming might lead to grapes being called 'white' or 'black' even if they are green or purple.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cognitive convenience suggests that color naming may prioritize simpler categorizations, such as brightness, over precise hue. Thus, grapes might be referred to as 'white' or 'black' for ease of classification, regardless of their actual green or purple hue.

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According to Decock, color concepts are static and cannot change over time.

Answer: False

Explanation: Decock's analysis suggests that color concepts are dynamic and can evolve over time, influenced by processes of optimization and design within language and cognition.

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The 'inverted spectrum' argument in philosophy explores the possibility that:

Answer: Different people might have different subjective color experiences while using the same terms.

Explanation: The inverted spectrum argument is a philosophical thought experiment suggesting that two individuals could consistently use color language ('red,' 'blue') in the same way, yet have inverted subjective experiences of those colors.

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What is 'color constancy'?

Answer: The phenomenon where perceived color remains stable despite changes in lighting.

Explanation: Color constancy refers to the perceptual mechanism that allows us to perceive the color of an object as relatively constant, even when the illumination conditions change significantly.

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The study by Hansen and Chemla investigated whether color adjectives function as:

Answer: Relative versus absolute terms.

Explanation: Hansen and Chemla's research explored the nature of color adjectives, specifically examining whether they function as relative terms (dependent on context or comparison) or absolute terms (having fixed meanings).

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What philosophical argument, involving a scientist named Mary who knows all physical facts but hasn't seen color, questions whether physical facts capture all knowledge about color experience?

Answer: The knowledge argument

Explanation: Frank Jackson's 'knowledge argument' uses the thought experiment of Mary, a neuroscientist who knows all physical facts about color but has never experienced it, to question whether physical knowledge alone encompasses the subjective experience (qualia) of color.

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The concept of 'cognitive convenience' in color naming, as illustrated by the example of grapes, suggests that:

Answer: Naming might prioritize simplicity (like brightness) over precise hue.

Explanation: Cognitive convenience implies that naming conventions may favor simpler categorizations, such as focusing on brightness or lightness, over precise hue identification, as seen in the example of labeling grapes by their lightness rather than their specific hue.

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Specialized Color Naming and Applications

Philatelists use standardized 'tinctures' to identify postage stamp colors across all international cataloguing systems.

Answer: False

Explanation: While philatelists use specific names for stamp colors, these names are not universally standardized across all international cataloguing systems, leading to potential discrepancies.

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In heraldry, 'tinctures' are standardized names used to describe colors, metals, and furs.

Answer: True

Explanation: Heraldry employs a specific system of 'tinctures,' which are standardized names for colors, metals (like gold and silver), and furs used in blazonry.

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Modern computer systems primarily use unique, non-standardized color names for applications.

Answer: False

Explanation: Modern computer systems predominantly utilize standardized sets of color names across various applications, such as web color names (SVG/CSS3) and X11 color names, rather than unique, non-standardized ones.

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The Crayola company is known for using only basic, universally recognized color names for its crayons.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Crayola company is recognized for its extensive range of crayons, many of which are given creative and distinctive names that extend beyond basic, universally recognized color terminology.

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In heraldry, what are 'tinctures'?

Answer: Standardized names for colors, metals, and furs on coats of arms.

Explanation: Within the field of heraldry, 'tinctures' are the established, standardized names used to represent colors, metals, and furs depicted on heraldic achievements.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a standardized color-naming system in the text?

Answer: Crayola Crayon Names

Explanation: While systems like CNS, ISCC-NBS, and X11 are mentioned as standardized color-naming systems, Crayola crayon names are presented as creative and brand-specific, not part of a formal standardization effort.

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