Bell Names in the History of the Russian Language (Linguistic and Cultural Aspect)

Abstract

The paper considers principles of naming the bells and the main features, according to which the bell could get either name. Scientists believe that to a greater extent the structure of such onym units characterizes the specifics of how the bells were treated in Kievan Rus and the overall attitude of the Russians to them. The study was based on the analysis of the unique catalogue containing linguistic units and reflecting the history of bells, bell ringing and bell casting. The main sources of the study included compiled chronicles, archive materials, register of monastic and temple property, inscriptions on bells, and church charters. The study was conducted through comparative-historical, linguistic and cultural analysis, as well as field analysis within the cognitive stylistics. As a result, 51 bell names and their historical background were analyzed. The authors conclude that the study of linguistic units related to the history of bells and bell ringing in Russia alongside with their casting features will make it possible to bridge the historical knowledge gap and to draw some conclusions on the way the Russians perceive the linguistic worldview of this unique element of the Russian culture.