Shamayeva Y. Cognitive Structure of the Concept JOY (in the English Language)

The object of the research is the concept JOY represented in the American variant of the English language. The aim of the research is a multi-aspect investigation of the complex linguocognitive structure of the concept JOY as it is objectivized in American English to build its linguocognitive model within the framework of cognitive linguistics, linguosynergetics and linguoculturology. The methodology of the research draws on the theory of language cognition and modeling, cognitive semantics and the general theory of the metaphor, the focus theory, the theories of mental spaces and conceptual integration, the linguistic field theory, the theories of prototypes, and of linguosynergetics. Theoretical results and novelty: for the first time the status of affect as the language of emotions is substantiated and interpreted as a category of cognitive linguistics and linguoculturology; the field structure of the concept JOY is analyzed as consisting of a gestalt-core with its adjacent basic stratum and a periphery with amorphous boundaries. The peripheral zone of the concept is presented in the form of a cognitive map reflecting metaphoric ways of "joy" conceptualization.The system of JOY metaphors is consistently described. The model's energeal configurative dimensions are studied, including the axiological dominants developed by the American ethnosemantic personality and actualized in the American variant of the English language. Practical results: the usage in courses in general linguistics (unit "Semantics"), theoretical grammar (unit "Sentence semantics"), in special courses in cognitive semantics, emotiology, psycholinguistics, linguoculturology, theory of cross-cultural communication. The sphere of application: cognitive linguistics, linguosynergetics, linguoculturology.