RAVEN / CROW in Myth and Language. Part 1: Semiotics and Cognitive Premises of Archaic Designations

Abstract

This article is the first part of the multi-vectored analysis targeting verbal representations of the mythic concept RAVEN / CROW. The paper focuses on semiotics of the said concept's verbalisers in Old Norse and Old English. Etymological analysis of the concep’s names complemented by interdisciplinary interpretations identifies the basic “nano-myths” or “code-ons” that iconically outline the RAVEN-system’s  primary features and functions. The paper highlights linguo-cognitive premises of language units verbalizing the said concept and reconstructs RAVEN’s conceptualized features in dynamic scenarios. These features are discussed in terms of cognitive models and respective frame-like structures. The reconstructed conceptual features, models and frame-like structures are integrated into a model of a hierarchic plane of an open system.  Thus the paper suggests a “cognitive matrix” of the RAVEN / CROW concept. The methodology employed in the paper is based on the previously introduced broad universalia-oriented interdisciplinary approach (M-logic). The correlations between the sets of conceptualized features are discussed in terms of their complementary, determinative and causative relations. The paper argues that the RAVEN appeared as a proxy between realities of different nature and scaling, a transmitter of the oversystem's "development program" and a "projective navigator" for the conflict-type transformational scenarios.