This dissertation is dedicated to the study of the ethnospecifics of the language of Chinese folk songs yuefu. The focus of this research in particular is the analysis of the linguistic and cultural concept of LOVE in Chinese folk poetry.
In this thesis, the choice of the research topic has been rationalized, the targets have been set, and the steps to achieve these targets were described. We identified the subject and the object of the research, described the theoretical background, determined academic novelty, as well as theoretical and practical application of this thesis.
The structure of the thesis was determined by the appointed tasks. The research consists of the introduction, two chapters, conclusions to each chapter, general conclusions and bibliography.
The first chapter is dedicated to the principles of linguoculturology and cognitive linguistics. The tasks and goals of these modern branches in linguistics are described, as well as the works of Ukrainian and foreign researchers, who had a direct impact on the formation and further development of linguoculturology and cognitive linguistics, are analyzed. In the first chapter the following key concepts are investigated in detail: language, cognition, cognitivism, conceptualization, knowledge, concepts, mentality, "picture of the world" (all its types, which are distinguished by the modern scientific community). Particular attention is dedicated to the concepts of "linguistic picture of the world" and "conceptual picture of the world". The problem of interaction of language and human consciousness has raised a significant interest not only among the linguists, but also philosophers and psychologists. The thorough study of this question allows us to trace not only the origin and evolution of "language" and "consciousness" phenomena, but also to identify the conceptual characteristics that distinguish humans from animals and helps to understand the formation of an individual with their own consciousness and subconsciousness. The picture of the world is a fundamental concept that reflects the main points of human interaction with the world around us and the phenomena related to this interaction. This dissertation outlines the theoretical foundations of the "concept" in both cognitive linguistics and linguoculturology, as well as considers different approaches to its research.
In this dissertation the typology of forms and types of folk literature, which has a long tradition, is introduced. These include myths, folklore, folk art, folk wisdom, folk traditions, legends, believes, traditional songs, dances, proverbs etc. Their uniqueness can be traced back to the texts of various genres. The connection between myth and folklore as the foundation of a mindset of any ethnic group is stated in this study. In addition, various types and subtypes of myths that have had an impact on further development of world ethnic groups’ mentality have been identified
In the first chapter, folklore, which history dates back thousands of years is analysed as a system. In contrast to folklore, the author's text is rich with personal life experience, and therefore is subjective. The phenomenon of Chinese folk songs from Zhou dynasty, when the anthology of ‘Shijing’ was compiled, to the period of the Southern and Northern dynasties is explored in detail in the first chapter.
The second chapter investigates the pluralistic approach to the philosophical foundations of the linguistic and cultural concept of LOVE in the Western European tradition. It is emphasized that a large number of philosophical research is focused on the concept of love.
The evolution of the linguistic and cultural concept of LOVE in the Chinese religious and philosophical tradition, in particular during the time of Confucianism, Mozi, Taoism and Chan Buddhism, is examined in detail in the second chapter. Confucius emphasized that love included people but was expressed as the care for animals. The feelings between a woman and a man were taboo. Mozi is considered a supporter and follower of this theory. A distinctive feature of Taoism was the denial of Confucian laws and unity with nature. Chan Buddhism supported the balance and harmony of two opposite principles – "natural" and "cultural" – both on the level of a particular individual and within the whole culture. Buddhism is well-known by the concept of unconditional love, which has no limits and is based on the need for happiness. The research also highlights the approaches of various religious and philosophical trends to understanding the relationship between Man and Nature. They had an impact on the moral and ethical features of the mindset and morality of the Chinese ethnic group, and the phenomenon of "love" was no exception.
