SYMBOLS OF ORNITHOLOGICAL IMAGES IN THE LINGUOCULTURE OF THE ALTAI PEOPLE

Abstract

Words denoting the names of birds are of interest as they are an integral part of the layer of material and spiritual culture of any people. These words reflect processes related to language contacts, resulting in the enrichment of the language. This article deals with the symbols of ornithological images. It is noted that the symbols of ornithonyms in the Altai language are one of the most widespread characteristics, as birds have always played a leading role in both the language and symbolism of all cultures. Humanity and the animal world have been closely interconnected since they appeared on earth. This spirit of interaction is also reflected in the language.

A bird is an expression of the idea of freedom, a designation of the soul when it separates from the body. Due to their ability to soar high and see far, they often became symbols of divinity, power, and victory. Furthermore, among the Altai people, as in other cultures, birds are considered harbingers of illness – usually crows or vultures. However, the more common view is that birds are an auspicious sign. Another group of symbols is based on the idea that birds have contact with divine spheres or deliver messages from there. We have analyzed the most common symbols of ornithological images, such as: mürküt meaning "golden eagle" as a symbol of male beauty, valor, and fearlessness has a very ancient basis; teyleen~teelen~telgen "kite" is oriented towards a person's action, with what grandeur the action occurs and what it is comparable to, used mainly in relation to a man; the core of the symbol shongkor "falcon" is the seme "soaring flight, fast", used mainly in relation to a man; kuskun "raven" is characterized by a high degree of expressiveness with a negative connotation).