The color metaphor of the coronavirus

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The perception of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 through a color or coloristic metaphor by representatives of student youth is of particular linguistic interest. The aim of the study is to identify coronavirus color metaphors in student discourse, which are one of the most productive ways of associative transfer, based on deep, archetypal human relations with the world.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The method of associative experiment is used to determine the color metaphors of the coronavirus. The results of the experiment are interpreted on the basis of a phenomenological approach using the method of questioning and quantitative analysis.RESULT AND DISCUSSION. Metaphorical models with the source sphere “color” are revealed; the psychology of color in individual consciousness and its influence on the psychoemotional state of an individual in the post-pandemic period are comprehended; a classification of metaphors is proposed; the causes of the obtained color associations are analyzed.CONCLUSION. It is revealed that spectral colors cause the most associations with coronavirus, the most popular among which are red, green and black. Most color associations are associated with cold colors that evoke, inspire and express sadness, sadness, despondency, and their various variations. The analysis of creative color names is carried out. The data obtained have theoretical and applied value, as they record attitudes and emotions regarding the general disaster after its expiration, thereby creating new meanings in the color designation and in the characterization of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19, contributing to the creation of a prosperous educational environment.