Authors’ names:
- Ksenya A. Kochnova – Agrotechnological University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Anna V. Chanchina – Linguistics University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Abstract:
The article explores the Russian language mindset through the lens of proverbs centered on the culturally significant concept of “life,” constructing a field model that represents stereotypical Russian perceptions of life. The development of this model (an invariant) of a given unit’s usage in paremiol-ogy begins with an analysis of its semantics and functional characteristics in folk speech. The study compares value judgments embedded in fixed expressions and the semantic-structural organization of proverbs. The resulting lexico-semantic model reveals the cultural and ethnic content of the semanteme and the stereotypes associated with its usage.
Russian proverbs depict life as a divine gift that is cherished and safeguarded. They suggest that individuals should live for others, protect their own good name, and embody qualities such as modesty and humility. Life is portrayed as a complex journey where one learns daily from personal and others’ mistakes and invaluable experiences, overcoming difficulties, obstacles, and personal fears. It is important for individuals to live meaningfully, doing good and being useful. A purposeful life is deemed essential, as a carefree and aimless existence is considered empty. One should live in the present, look forward to the future, and not dwell on the past. Material wealth is not viewed as a legitimate life goal; instead, life should be dedicated to goodness, truth, beauty, and understanding of oneself and the world. Therefore, a person needs a higher purpose which would lead them along the path of goodness and justice. Life is fleeting, and it flies by with the swiftness of an arrow, so one must be wise, value every moment, and not waste precious time on trivial pursuits. Tasks that can be accomplished today should not be postponed. One should approach life with hope and optimism.
| Section | LANGUAGE AND CULTURE |
| DOI: | 10.47388/2072-3490/lunn2025-69-1-57-66 |
| Downloads | 9 |
| Key words | mindset; linguistic picture of the world; paremia; field model; semantheme; sememe; sema; life |