JOY AND SORROW IN THE RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORLDVIEW

Abstract

This article explores the national specifics of proverbs and sayings in the Russian and English language worldviews, highlighting the challenges they pose in language learning. It examines key concepts from linguoculturology and cognitology and demonstrates how emotions are constructed and expressed through language and culture. By analyzing the representation of the emotions "joy" and "sorrow" in both languages, the study offers a cross-cultural perspective on how these feelings are linguistically framed.

The research is conducted within the framework of cognitive phraseology – a modern field of linguistics focused on the relationship between language units and cognitive structures. Proverbs and idioms often reflect the historical and cultural development of a people, preserving national attitudes, stereotypes, and ideals. These fixed expressions offer valuable insight into the worldview and cultural experience of native speakers.

The main objective of this study is to identify how "joy" and "sorrow" are represented in Russian and English through words, metaphors, idioms, and proverbs. Using a comparative and descriptive-linguistic analysis method, the paper identifies both commonalities and differences in the emotional lexicon of the two languages.

Theoretically, this research contributes to linguoculturology by enhancing our understanding of emotional conceptualization across cultures. It also supports cognitive linguistic theory through analysis of metaphorical structures in emotional language. Practically, the findings are relevant to foreign language teaching, translation studies, and intercultural communication. Emphasizing culturally contextualized language use, the study promotes more effective and empathetic cross-cultural communication by revealing how emotions are shaped and conveyed differently in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts.

By bridging cultural and linguistic perspectives, the study deepens appreciation for the complex interaction between language, thought, and emotion, serving as a tool for greater intercultural understanding.