| Abstract [eng] |
This paper analyses the concept of an angel in Polish and Lithuanian languages and cultures. This is an analysis in the field of ethnolinguistics based on the method of Polish Lublin cognitive ethnolinguistics. The aim of the work is to analyse the concept of an angel in Polish and Lithuanian language and culture, to highlight the most characteristic physical features, character traits, appearance, origin, functions, actions and emotions that appear in the linguistic image of the world in Polish and Lithuanian language and culture, that is, to establish the subjective perception of the angel of these nations, and then to make a comparative analysis in order to reveal the similarities and differences in the perception of angels in these languages and cultures. To achieve this goal there is used the theory of cognitive research and the data of the National Polish Language Corpus and the Current Lithuanian Language Corpus. In order to find the characteristics of an angel, 160 samples were selected from each language in which the angel appears in different contexts. On the basis of them there is made a cognitive analysis of linguistic projection, stereotypical imagination and profiling of the word angel, similarities, and differences in both languages, as well as the connection or detachment of the angel's motive from the religious tradition. The essence of the cognitive definition is to show what is activated in the speaker’s consciousness in a particular linguistic situation. Therefore, the focus is on how people understand the thing, not what it means. Meanwhile, the concept not only restores reality, but also expresses the experiences of the individual. The word concept is most commonly used in the sense of concept, opinion, or representation. Such research is very important in a multicultural environment. Language is a source of knowledge about culture. Getting to know the culture of other nations facilitates communication and promotes understanding. Languages and cultures change their mechanisms, so some cultural differences arise within the same nation, depending on historical circumstances. Based on the textual data, it turns out that the angel is defined by aspects such as appearance, voice, attitude and attributes, positive and negative character traits and emotions. Angel’s activities are determined by aspects such as angel’s functions, activities, and behaviours. In addition, there is distinguished, origin and other concepts related to the angel. The result of the analysis of examples of linguistic corpuses shows that the Polish angel has many altruistic traits. He is faithful to God and to the tasks entrusted to him. Everything that he does is a certain worship of God. First of all, he works for the good of man and never leaves him. His appearance reflects all that is most beautiful and brightest. Angel exudes goodness and love. The exception is the black angel who turned away from God and, by tempting man, leads him on the path of evil. In Lithuanian, angel is not so inseparable from man and God. He is independent and free, and thus he is humanized, and his image reflects a human-bird with divine qualities, rather than a celestial being. |
