THE NAMES OF “FOREIGN CONCEPTS” IN ENGLISH MAPPING (based on the description of Russia)

THE NAMES OF “FOREIGN CONCEPTS” IN ENGLISH MAPPING (based on the description of Russia)

Author:  N.G. Iuzefovich

Affiliation:  Far Eastern State University for the Humanities

Abstract:  Applying a cognitive-discursive approach to the study of the means used to name a phenomenon of a foreign culture is based on the comparison of theconceptual worlds and language mapping of languacultures in contact. Consequently, a verbal sign as a part of its language system is formed as a result of the conceptualization of a certain phenomenon. Getting to know another culture through its language, we first encounter the name of a foreign phenomenon which then passes through the stage of conceptualization in our mental world. 
The study presented suggests that Russia is viewed as “Other”. The paper focuses on the analysis of the stages of this process: 1) pejorative conceptualizing Russia; 2) language mapping. The verbal signs produced are named by the author of the article as “primary names of a foreign culture – etymons”. The term is self-explaining: such phrases as “evil empire”, “Russian threat” are meant to create a pejorative image of Russia. The names discussed reflect stereotypical western conceptualization of Russia. The study is based on the analysis of both historiography and English dictionaries. 
The research suggests that understanding how Russia is conceptualized in western conceptual system and which language means are used to map it will aid to effective communication.

Keywords:  conceptualization of another languaculture, evaluation, pejoration, language mapping

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Pages:  91-96