Semantics and structure of the concept of “Bogatyrstvo” in epics and modern linguistic consciousness

Abstract

The subject of the study is the concept of "Bogatyrstvo" and its structural and semantic features. Bogatyrstvo is inextricably linked with the hero and with the plot of epics. In epics, it is perceived as a concept-script, that is, it is formed in the process of the entire narrative. However, the original structure of the concept is presented as a conceptual field of meanings inscribed in a more complex structural formation – the ethical concept of "Courage". The relevance of the research is dictated by the high precedent of the name of the concept and its dominant verbalizers. The semantic field of the concept is explored in etymological, historical and topical layers. The main semantic load of the etymological layer of the concept is formed in the Church Slavonic language. The historical layer is vividly represented in the dictionaries of the XIX and XX centuries, the latter captures the limitation of the "existence" of the concept by the genre of epic. The actual layer is revealed in the process of studying the consciousness of modern students.      The purpose of the article is to identify the reference points (slots) that formed the basis of the concept. A special contribution of the authors and the novelty of the study is the conduct of a semantic experiment, which established that in the minds of modern native speakers, the concept Bogatyrstvo, for which analysis methods were used (analysis of dictionary definitions and contextual analysis of epics), semantic analysis (the "supporting" semantic shares of the concept of "Bogatyrstvo" were identified, their key verbalizers were highlighted) and the method of semantic experiment to identify the modern perception of the concept. The main conclusions of the study: 1) the concept of "Bogatyrstvo" has a static frame structure and a field structure, including slots "spiritual strength" and "physical strength". Spiritual strength lies in the constant readiness to stand up for the motherland as a manifestation of true courage and heroism; in the fate of the hero-defender, ordained from above; in the Christian faith. The physical strength of the hero is, as it were, the personification of the whole strength of the Russian people, given by God. 2) These slots are present in the epics in the dynamic structure of the script: the slot "physical force" unfolds to the whole epic action; the slot "spiritual force" is expressed through the entire epic narrative – this is the very motivation for action. A special contribution of the authors and the novelty of the study is the conduct of a semantic experiment, which established that in the minds of modern native speakers, the concept of "Bogatyrstvo" is presented statically and includes both slots, with the predominance of the slot "spiritual power".