Comparison of character nominations as a reflection of the national worldview (based on the texts of heroic epics “Jangar” and “Beowulf”)

Abstract

Language nomination is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon closely related to human worldview, which plays an important role in language. It reflects the national worldview. Based on two epic works - the Kalmyk heroic epic “Jangar” and the Old English epic “Beowulf”, this study concerns the naming of characters who reflect the national worldview. The main goal of the study is to identify similarities and differences between the national worldviews of these two peoples through the comparison and analysis of the characters’ names in these two epics, belonging to different cultures, taking into account their common features and differences, as well as the cultural values underlying them. To this end, the research required the use of various methodologies, such as the comparative, interpretative, word-formation, descriptive and etymological approaches. The results of the study showed that both cultures have similar and different nominations of characters, which reflect their cultural values. The characters in the epic “Jangar” can be named using colors, body parts, animals and the names of their ancestors; more-over, in Kalmyk culture horses hold an important place and have their own names. In “Beowulf”, unique naming styles are also used, including weapon names, animal names and names of paternal ancestors. The Old English language employs a special naming technique known as kenning. Additionally, the sword holds a high status in Anglo-Saxon culture and has its own name.