Conceptual metaphors in Rollan Seisenbayev’s literary works.

Abstract

The article discusses theoretical and practical aspects of using conceptual metaphor from the point of view of cognitive approach. The use of cognitive approach allowed us to reveal new perspectives of literary studies as well as to better understand mechanisms of author’s thinking and its reflection through cognitive models based on conceptual metaphors. The purpose of this study was to analyze features of conceptual metaphors R. Seisenbayev used in his literary works as a cognitive tool for creating various cognitive models and mental spaces. The study paid special attention to zoomorphic and colour conceptual metaphors in the works selected for analysis. The research results revealed that conceptual metaphors reflect connections between concepts related to different areas of knowledge, and are conditioned by the author’s national mentality. Most of zoometaphors considered illustrate such negative qualities of characters as aggressiveness, cruelty, cunning, callousness, cowardice. In addition, zoometaphors are used to construct a special mental space, which demonstrates human understanding of hypothetical and fictional situations. Meanwhile, colour conceptual metaphor embodies characters’ inner world experiences, their emotions, moods and intuitive feelings. Thus, studying the conceptual metaphor models in R. Seisenbayev’s works showed potential of cognitive approach for comprehending nature of artistic creativity and features of constructing the author’s world modeling, deeper understanding of his inner world and mental state. Key words: conceptual metaphor theory, cognitive poetics, mental space, character, cognitive model.