Modelling of the Concept of WORD in Linguistic Aphorisms and Figurative Expressions

Abstract

The article attempts to model the concept of WORD taking into account the peculiarities of its representation in linguistic aphorisms and figurative expressions. It has been noted that the verbalisation of the concept in the analysed linguistic units is largely influenced by the genre of aphorism itself and the specificity of its interpretation, which is determined by the author's way of thinking, mentality, experience, and speciality.  Therefore, the purpose of the article is to identify the cognitive meanings of the nuclear and peripheral zones of the concept of WORD in linguistic aphorisms and figurative expressions in the form of conceptual, figurative, and value information. It has been proved that the word in aphoristic contexts acquires the features of linguocognitive and linguocultural concepts that complement each other, thus creating its conceptual semantic integrity. The linguocognitive understanding of the concept of WORD actualises its meanings within the linguistic paradigm, and the linguocultural aspect objectifies it as a unit of national mentality. The figurative component of the concept WORD is represented by figurative and associative features, outlined on the basis of metaphorical nomination. The value component of the analysed concept is represented by the contrast of its positive and negative connotations.