The Emergence of Color Categories: Variance and Invariance

Color is a crucial feature for object detection and recognition. This is why the human visual system constantly attempts to keep variations in perceived object colors to a minimum. It seems, however, that color categorization is more dynamic and flexible. In the present paper, by reviewing recent research, we discuss the emergence and establishment of color categories in language as a result of various intertwined factors playing together at different levels. We claim for an integrative approach that supersedes the rigid dichotomy between universalistic and relativistic perspectives, according to which color categorization is influenced by universal cognitive trends, specific sociocultural factors, and diverse language uses, such as idioms, which trigger different values in context.