The linguocultural field of the ethnocultural connotation of the mythophytonym “Baiterek” (based on Kazakh fairy-tale narratives)

Abstract

The article analyzes the ethnocultural connotation of the mythophytonym “baiterek” in Kazakh fairy-tale narratives from the perspective of the linguocultural field. The aim of the research is to investigate the linguocultural field of the ethnocultural connotation associated with the mythophytonym “baiterek” in Kazakh fairy tales. The relevance of the study is explained by the lack of specialized research examining the ethnocultural connotation of “baiterek” through Kazakh fairy-tale material. The article identifies the ethnocultural features, historical-linguistic context, and linguocultural field of the mythophytonym “baiterek” in fairy-tale narratives and analyzes them using concrete examples selected from Kazakh tales. In the course of the research, methods such as the collection, systematization, description, analysis, and comparison of linguistic data were used. As a result, the ethnocultural connotation and linguocultural field of the mythophytonym “baiterek” were identified and structured as follows: “Baiterek – a tall tree/poplar”, “Baiterek – strength, height, shelter”, “Baiterek – support (pillar, reliance), protection, refuge, nest”, “Baiterek – a connector between the upper, middle, and lower worlds”, and “Baiterek – continuity of generations, genealogy”. The article contributes to a deeper understanding of theoretical and practical issues in the modern fields of linguistic folklore studies, cultural linguistics, ethnolinguistics, cognitive linguistics, and related disciplines within Kazakh linguistics.