This research contributes to the study of colour terms as a cognitive phenomenon. Since colour is not a universal concept and an ordinary mind does not perceive colour separately from the object, it is possible to observe the knowledge about colour, which exists in the lan­guage but does not exist in its physical sense. We hold that the given knowledge is the cause of significant difficulties arising in the translation of various colour terms, though the nature of these terms existence should not be complex in its essence, being a basic phenomenon of the natural world. Moreover, certain ambiguity rises when reference points of colour do not coin­cide with the indirect naming of colours and shades in different languages. Different pairs of languages apparently set their individual spectrum of translation difficulties. We characterise some typical colour-related English into Russian translation difficulties which arise at the cognitive level.

This research is devoted to the study of the status of Euro-English-a variety of English spoken in European institutions and continental Europe. Its emergence and development occur under the conditions of multilingualism and is associated with the need to have a common language for all European citizens to ensure intercultural and inter-ethnic communication. The authors reflect on the similarities and differences between British English and European English in their status, processes, vocabulary and grammar.