Rebyata (English guys) as a symbol of Russian linguoculture: facets of current conceptual renewal

The article examines the word rebyata (English guys) as a name for a significant concept in Russian linguoculture analysing its semantic development and role in modern discursive practices. The study builds on comprehending the concept as a multidimensional structural and informative unit of consciousness and worldview which, being a form of storing and transferring knowledge, is constantly modified in its constituent components. The analysis aims to identify aspects of concept modification through a synchronic study of the Russian language of the past few decades. Conceptual analysis within the methodological framework of discourse analysis was employed as the primary met hod in conjunction with linguistic semiometrics. The latter enables one to determine sign meanings in the context of its use. The multidimensionality of the network of meanings expressed by the concept is revealed by identifying and analysing diagnostic contexts based on corpus data. The conceptual renewal of the analysed word was found to concern its conceptual, value-based, and figurative components. Conceptually, the research reveals the expansion of the referential sphere of the sign functioning from the original personal family domain to the institutional spheres of professional, military, and public activity. The expansion is based on the extension of the evaluative meanings of friendliness, solidarity, and collectivism which contribute to the development of the sign as an axiologeme. A new series of images is formed to represent the concept, such as relatives – warriors – defenders of the Motherland. The work focuses on the axiological approach to teaching Russian, which, by means of studying the value-based meanings embodied by lexical units, facilitates the development of students’ civic identity. Moreover, this approach enhances the achievement of both educational and personal outcomes.

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