Lesson 4: Color and Number Symbolism
It’s a play on words.

I can talk about color and number symbolism.

INTRODUCE

Things like colors and numbers can mean different things in different cultures. It’s fun to compare symbols in your culture with symbols in other cultures to see how similar or different they are.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the expressions with your tutor and answer the questions.

    1. A play on words refers to an amusing use of a word that sounds like another word or has more than one meaning.

    Why did he name his shop Tea-rrific?

    Oh, it’s a play on words. It’s a mix of ‘tea’ and ‘terrific.’

    Q: Are jokes that involve plays on words popular in Japan?

     

     

    2. If a word/symbol/object stands for something, it means that it is used to represent that thing.

    Sorry, what does the first ‘A’ in NASA mean again?

    It stands for ‘Aeronautics.’

    Q: Do you know what ASAP stands for?

     

     

    3. To make a fuss out of something means to pay too much unnecessary attention to it.

    Why are you mad at Sophia?

    She’s so annoying. She was making a fuss out of the color of my socks! She said they don’t match my pants.

    Q: Do you make a fuss out of how hot or cold your food is?

STEP B PRONUNCIATION

When one word ends in t and the next word starts with a vowel sound, the t is often pronounced as /d/.
Phrase Example

out of

/ ou-duhv /

You shouldn’t make a fuss / ou-duhv / little things like that.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Jun is confused by some text messages from Catherine’s Taiwanese friend.

Jun:

Why does your friend keep sending you random numbers? Are they security codes or something?

Catherine:

What do you mean?

Jun:

Here. You wrote that we’re flying back to Tokyo tomorrow, and she replied with “555.”

Catherine:

Oh, that! That’s not a security code, silly! (laughs) It’s slang that we use when texting or chatting. It actually stands for crying. In Mandarin, 555 is pronounced “wuwuwu,” which sounds like crying. My friend is sad that we’re leaving soon.

Jun:

Seriously? (laughs) That’s so weird!

Catherine:

You really think so? You kind of do the same thing in Japan, though. Don’t some stores and restaurants celebrate Meat Day on the 29th because 2 and 9 together sound like the Japanese word for meat? It’s a play on words just like that.

Jun:

Oh, yeah, you’re right. By the way, I’ve been thinking about giving your parents a gift before we leave. Is it okay if I go shopping for one later today?

Catherine:

Nice! I’m sure they’d appreciate it! Just make sure that you buy the right number of things. Oh, and the right color, and don’t forget that the gift wrapping is also super important! If you get those little details wrong, Mom might make a fuss out of them and think that you want to jinx her and Dad!

Jun:

Really?!

TRIVIA

In Taiwan and China, some people use numbers to stand for certain phrases when texting. These number phrases are based on how the numbers are read in Taiwanese or Mandarin. Here are some examples:

 

  • 3Q (sankyu) – Thank you.
  • 88 (baa baa) – Bye bye.
  • 520 (wo ai ni) – I love you.
  • 530 (wuxiangnǐ) – I miss you.
  • 168 (yiliufa) – Very lucky.

 

PRACTICE

STEP A EXERCISE

Replace the underlined parts with expressions from the box. Some expressions may be used more than once, and the form of some expressions may need to be changed.

a play on words
stand for something
make a fuss out of something
  1. BRB means be right back.
  2. I can’t believe he’s complaining so much about the ending of a cartoon!
  3. See, it’s a stuffed bear with a card that says “I miss you beary much.” Do you get it? It’s a funny word combination.
  4. Tracy’s really worried and won’t stop talking about her pimple, but it’s not even that obvious!

STEP B EXERCISE

Answer the questions using the pictures, words, and expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed.

a play on words
stand for something
make a fuss out of something

1. Does the color purple have any special meaning?

royalty

wealth

 

2. Why is he taking so long to get ready?

hair

clothes

 

3. I really like omurice! But I’m just wondering: Where did it get its name?

omelet

rice

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your friend is going to attend a Taiwanese birthday party. Give your friend some advice on what gifts to give based on Taiwan’s color symbolism.

Today's Expressions

  • a play on words
  • stand for something
  • make a fuss out of something
Taiwan's Color Symbolism

White

  • death
  • mourning

Green

  • growth
  • harmony

Black

  • destruction
  • sadness

Red

  • luck/good fortune
  • love

Yellow

  • warmth
  • royalty

Purple

  • love
  • romance

 

 

Challenge 2

Discuss your ideas.

If Time
Allows
1

NUMBER SYMBOLISM
2

COLORS
3

PLAYS ON WORDS
1

NUMBER SYMBOLISM

  1. Do you have any lucky numbers?
  2. Do you know people who carefully consider numbers in everything they do (ex. choosing a cell phone number, finding an apartment)?
  3. Should buildings avoid numbers believed to be unlucky (ex. no rooms with number 4, no 13th floor)?
  4. Do you know anyone who worries about Friday the 13th?

2COLORS

  1. Do you consider any colors lucky?
  2. What’s a color you personally avoid?
  3. In Japan, in what situations is it very important to think about what color you wear (ex. at funerals, at weddings)?
  4. What do you think of people who break with traditional color symbolism (ex. a black wedding dress)?

3PLAYS ON WORDS

  1. Do you like using plays on words?
  2. Do you consider yourself good at using plays on words?
  3. Is it ever inappropriate to use plays on words?
  4. Do you find it easy to understand plays on words in English?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about color and number symbolism.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK