The Home/Homeless Archetype in Modern Kazakh Literature

Abstract

This paper explores the archetype of “home” as a sacred ethno-cultural symbol deeply embedded in the Kazakh worldview. It examines how the concept of “home” and its contrasting notion “homelessness” function in contemporary Kazakh literature, reflecting broader cultural, historical, and psychological meanings. The archetype “home” is interpreted through interconnected ideas such as “mother,” “family,” “native land,” and “light,” while “homelessness” symbolizes loss, displacement, and identity crisis. Drawing from comparative literary analysis, the study situates Kazakh representations alongside global literary traditions, uncovering both universal patterns and culturally specific distinctions. It is argued that the nomadic past of the Kazakh people, along with their mythology and oral tradition, imbues the “home” archetype with meanings that differ significantly from settled, Western interpretations. These culturally embedded meanings are revealed through symbolic landscapes, character trajectories, and narrative structures in Kazakh fiction. The paper shows how contemporary authors reinterpret ancient symbols to articulate modern experiences of belonging, alienation, and cultural continuity. By emphasizing the spiritual and existential dimensions of “home,” this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how literature reflects national identity and memory. Ultimately, the research enriches the field of cross-cultural literary studies by demonstrating how archetypes acquire diverse meanings in different cultural-historical contexts.