ETHNOCULTURAL SPACE IN KAZAKH AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MYTHOTOPONYMS

Abstract

This article analyzes the linguocultural and cognitive features of mythotoponyms in Kazakh and English from a comparative linguistic perspective. The research object consists of toponymic units that occupy an important place in the national culture and cognitive consciousness of both peoples. Kazakh and English toponyms are closely connected with specific historical, social, and natural-geographical factors; therefore, their semantic features are expressed through different cultural codes.

The aim of the study is to identify the features of the ethnocultural cognitive system of Kazakh and English mythotoponyms through comparative analysis. The research seeks to define mythotoponyms as linguistic material and to reveal their connection with mythological consciousness and ethnocultural worldview. The central idea of the study is that mythotoponyms function as a linguistic phenomenon that preserves and transmits historical memory, spiritual values, and cultural code of a particular ethnic group.

The relevance of the study is determined by intensification of intercultural communication in the digital era and the growing interest in the culture, history, and worldview of other peoples. Mythotoponyms reflect ancient beliefs, legends, myths, and historically formed spiritual values.

In the course of the research, mythotoponymic material is systematized, and comparative, descriptive, semantic, cognitive, and linguocultural methods are applied. The comparative analysis reveals similarities and differences in historical memory, spiritual values, cultural codes, and ethnocultural characteristics of Kazakh and English peoples.

The novelty of the study lies in comparative analysis of ethnocultural space based on Kazakh and English mythotoponyms. The work identifies their semantic and cognitive features and ways of representing ethnocultural space. The findings highlight differences in national worldviews and lead to new scientific conclusions.

The scientific significance of the study lies in expanding linguistic knowledge through revealing the cognitive-semantic structure of mythotoponyms. The practical significance is reflected in its applicability in comparative linguistics, cultural studies, onomastics, and cognitive research.