COGNITIVE MECHANISMS OF LINGUACULTURAL UNITS IN M.AUEZOV’S SHORT STORY «ORPHAN»: THE CONCEPT OF «LONELINESS»

Abstract

This article examines the “loneliness” concept in M. Auezov’s short story “The Orphan” and cognitive mechanisms underlying its construction. The main objective of the study is to identify the conceptual-semantic structure of the concept of “loneliness” and the peculiarities of its manifestation in a literary text. The research was conducted at the intersection of cognitive linguistics, linguoculturology and literary studies.

Drawing on the multidimensional nature of the concept as the theoretical foundation of the study, the author seeks to reveal the essence of the notion of “loneliness” within the framework of the national worldview and cultural codes. The methodological basis of the research includes conceptual analysis, the definitional method, and interpretative analysis. These methods made it possible to examine the semantic structures of the conceptual field of “loneliness” in M. Auezov’s short story “The Orphan”, identify the semantic core and peripheral zones of the concept, and reveal their internal semantic organization and cultural significance.

A comprehensive analysis of “loneliness” concept enabled a deeper characterization of the writer’s literary world and authorial perspective. The findings demonstrate that in M. Auezov’s “The Orphan”, the concept of “loneliness” is represented through the inner spiritual world of an adolescent who experiences social injustice, orphanhood, loneliness, and helplessness. Through the fate of personage Kassym, the concept of “loneliness” acquires literary embodiment in close connection with the national worldview, traditions, historical and cultural values.

Conceptual analysis of a literary text allows for a deeper understanding of the interrelationship between language, culture, and literature, while also expanding the possibilities for studying national spirituality and worldview through literary images. The scientific and practical significance of the study lies in its contribution to the development of the conceptual approach in literary studies through the examination of the concept from a linguocultural perspective.