The Representation of the Epic Time Concept in Yakut Olonkho and Turkic-Mongolian Epics of Siberia: Structural Models

Yuriy Petrovich Borisov

doi:10.7596/taksad.v7i3.1723

Abstract

The relevance of this article is justified by the increasing interest in studying epic texts; in this regard, the problem of conceptual structure still requires some insight. The present study discusses a novel topic in which fixed formulas of epic TIME serve as the object of cognitive analysis. These fixed formulas have not yet been studied from the point of the EPIC TIME concept. The purpose of this research is to single out the concept structure of EPIC TIME in Yakut olonkho and Turkic-Mongolian epics of Siberia and to compare their universal and national features. The following sources served as the basis for the analysis: three olonkho texts, which represent the main regions where the Yakut epics take place and A Guide of Typical Heroic Epic Locations of the Peoples of Siberia by E.N. Kuzmina. The study of the concept structure of EPIC TIME was achieved using the method of singling out lexicographic definitions of the epic formula components in the macro-context. Implementing the method of structural modeling in the research, models of concept structures which form the basis of the epic TIME semantic formulas were singled out. The temporal concept structure is based on the rhythmic and syntactic parallelisms and literal repetitions in the epic TIME formulas. The correlation of rhythmic and syntactic parallelisms and literal repetitions helps to explain the aspects of epic TIME. The singled out concept structures are further compared using the concept analysis method. Having analyzed the definition to the concept of EPIC TIME in Yakut olonkho and Turkic-Mongolian epics of Siberia, it became apparent that there is a convergence between the two epics on the grammatical level of analysis. However, there are also instances of implicit differences in the analyzed concepts. These instances are located in the deep structure of the concepts. First of all, TIME measurement units do not coincide with each other; secondly, the initial storyline points and the directiveness of the EPIC TIME do not match; thirdly, the secondary and indirect attributes, which assist in positioning the EPIC TIME, do not coincide.

Highlights

The importance of this research is justified by the increased interest towards the study of world epic heritage, in particular the comparative study of Yakut heroic epic olonkho and Turkic-Mongolian epics of Siberia, where the problem of concept structure has not been thoroughly studied yet
Formulas of epic time were taken from the Buryat, Tyva, Khakass and Shor epics; these formulas were listed in the Indicators of Typical Places of Heroic Epics of the Peoples of Siberia, an experimental book edition by E.N
Having overviewed and analyzed the nominalization of the EPIC TIME concept in Yakut olonkho and Turkic and Mongolian epics of Siberia, we can come to a conclusion that there is a convergence between them on the external level, where the methods of organizing epic formulas coincide based on the rhythmic and syntactical parallelism and word-by-word repetitions, which correlate into a general connotation of "the absolute past"

Summary

Introduction

The importance of this research is justified by the increased interest towards the study of world epic heritage, in particular the comparative study of Yakut heroic epic olonkho and Turkic-Mongolian epics of Siberia, where the problem of concept structure has not been thoroughly studied yet. G.E. Govorukhin and O.V. Dudchenko note that the value of a literary artwork which was created further back from our timeline is precisely in the historical facts of mentality and perception of the world surroundings concealed in these literary artworks. Dudchenko note that the value of a literary artwork which was created further back from our timeline is precisely in the historical facts of mentality and perception of the world surroundings concealed in these literary artworks These aspects are exceptionally valuable in the study of the evolution of human consciousness and process of thinking. The study of epics represents a great interest (Govorukhin & Dudchenko, 2014, pp.82-83)

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion