The research presented in this book challenges the notion that languages develop color terms independently of other languages. Authors find a universal inventory of eleven basic color categories from which the basic color terms are drawn. Authors also find an apparent fixed sequence of evolutionary stages through which a language must pass as its color vocabulary increases. A postive correlation between cultural complexity and complexity of color vocabulary is observed.

This paper examines the Berlin-Kay color salience theory and offers four correlates of color salience: earliness of introduction, brevity of expression, frequency of use, and frequency of mention in ethnographic literature. All four correlations support the Berlin-Kay theory. The authors suggest that salience may be “an important general principle of cultural evolution” (1107).

This study investigates whether associations between color and temperature are universal or reflective of relative aspects shared by cultural variation. The authors hypothesize that while some color–temperature links may be shared across cultures, others may vary by cultural and developmental factors. Using an online survey with children and adults worldwide comparing 20 colors, they find universal associations in hues (e.g., red/yellow = warm, blue = cool), but cultural specificity in tones (lightness/saturation). Developmental effects were also explored and were shown to have different cultural trajectories. The conclusion was that color–temperature associations are both universal and shaped by culture and development, which highlights how much cultural influence have in the development of the perceptions to color and temperature.

This article explores the possible relationship between the cultural evolution of language, music, and genetic variation beyond the level of language families. Due to their linguistic diversity, the authors use a sample of 14 Northeast Asian societies with matching information on their music, genetics, and linguistic patterns. The variables measuring language are lexicon, phonology, and grammar. Then, the authors compare each variable's relationship to music and genetic variation. The results only show a significant correlation between grammar and genetic variation.

This article explores the possible relationship between the cultural evolution of language, music, and genetic variation beyond the level of language families. Due to their linguistic diversity, the authors use a sample of 14 Northeast Asian societies with matching information on their music, genetics, and linguistic patterns. The variables measuring language are lexicon, phonology, and grammar. Then, the authors compare each variable's relationship to music and genetic variation. The results only show a significant correlation between grammar and genetic variation.

This study investigates whether associations between color and temperature are universal or reflective of relative aspects shared by cultural variation. The authors hypothesize that while some color–temperature links may be shared across cultures, others may vary by cultural and developmental factors. Using an online survey with children and adults worldwide comparing 20 colors, they find universal associations in hues (e.g., red/yellow = warm, blue = cool), but cultural specificity in tones (lightness/saturation). Developmental effects were also explored and were shown to have different cultural trajectories. The conclusion was that color–temperature associations are both universal and shaped by culture and development, which highlights how much cultural influence have in the development of the perceptions to color and temperature.

This study investigates whether associations between color and temperature are universal or reflective of relative aspects shared by cultural variation. The authors hypothesize that while some color–temperature links may be shared across cultures, others may vary by cultural and developmental factors. Using an online survey with children and adults worldwide comparing 20 colors, they find universal associations in hues (e.g., red/yellow = warm, blue = cool), but cultural specificity in tones (lightness/saturation). Developmental effects were also explored and were shown to have different cultural trajectories. The conclusion was that color–temperature associations are both universal and shaped by culture and development, which highlights how much cultural influence have in the development of the perceptions to color and temperature.

This study investigates whether associations between color and temperature are universal or reflective of relative aspects shared by cultural variation. The authors hypothesize that while some color–temperature links may be shared across cultures, others may vary by cultural and developmental factors. Using an online survey with children and adults worldwide comparing 20 colors, they find universal associations in hues (e.g., red/yellow = warm, blue = cool), but cultural specificity in tones (lightness/saturation). Developmental effects were also explored and were shown to have different cultural trajectories. The conclusion was that color–temperature associations are both universal and shaped by culture and development, which highlights how much cultural influence have in the development of the perceptions to color and temperature.

This paper examines the Berlin-Kay color salience theory and offers four correlates of color salience: earliness of introduction, brevity of expression, frequency of use, and frequency of mention in ethnographic literature. All four correlations support the Berlin-Kay theory. The authors suggest that salience may be “an important general principle of cultural evolution” (1107).

This paper examines the Berlin-Kay color salience theory and offers four correlates of color salience: earliness of introduction, brevity of expression, frequency of use, and frequency of mention in ethnographic literature. All four correlations support the Berlin-Kay theory. The authors suggest that salience may be “an important general principle of cultural evolution” (1107).