Leading components of ethnic mentality in Mari verbal charms

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the article is determined by the need for a systematic description of the national-cultural characteristics of individual peoples (in particular, Mari) and fixing the composition of the identified ethno-differentiating components of mentality, which demonstrate the identity of ethnic cultures. The article presents new data on the systemic nature of the Mari mentality, which core is a subsystem of images, symbols and values, summarizing the results of the mental functions of perception and thinking, reflected in folklore texts and are actively used in the daily life of Mari society. Materials and Methods. 600 conspiracy-spell texts, extracted from various sources, are considered in the framework of system theory using a combination of linguistic, traditional folkloristic approaches and quantitative methods. The algorithm for studying ethnic mentality, shown in the article, makes it possible to use the theoretical basis and methodological base in the study of the texts of other folklore genres belonging to other cultures. Results and Discussion. As a result of the work, a description of some national and cultural characteristics of the Mari ethnos is presented. It contributes to the preservation and enhancement of the traditional spiritual and moral values of Russian society. Conclusion. The research novelty, relevance and significance of this work are determined by the set of tasks, which results in new data on the systemic nature and components of the Mari national mentality obtained using the innovative methodology of the interdisciplinary approach applied to the study of unique folklore texts. Academic and applied significance lies in the development of a methodological base, the choice of which can be considered as a certain contribution to the creation of methods for studying ethnic mentality on the basis of folklore texts.