The Concept of Aiyu ‘Bear’ in the Karachay-Balkar Linguoculture
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2026.2.15Keywords:
Karachay-Balkar language, cultural concept, zoonym, aiyu, bear, Karachay-Balkar folkloreAbstract
The article examines the concept of “aiyu” ‘bear’ in the Karachay-Balkar linguoculture. Its lexical and semantic features are analyzed. The lexeme derives from a common Old Turkic root, which relates it to similar designations in other Turkic languages.
“Aiyu” constitutes a significant element of the zoomorphic cultural code in the Karachay-Balkar worldview. This is reflected in the analyzed material, including folk epithetic nominations, terms denoting gender and age, phraseological units, phytonyms, proverbs and sayings, as well as texts of tales and myths.
The concept reveals a multilayered structure manifested in the presence of several qualitatively distinct components: conceptual, figurative, and axiological layers. The most significant associative features and figurative meanings are identified and described, along with their representation in phraseological units, anthroponyms, phytonyms, and toponyms.
It is noted that, within the hierarchy of wild animals, the bear occupies a much higher position than others, functioning as a totemic animal. It is portrayed as a predatory creature distinguished by specific dietary preferences and a particular way of life. It is characterized by strength, foolishness, and at the same time intelligence, as well as affection for its offspring. The language demonstrates a metaphorical transfer “bear → human”, whereby a person acquires characteristics attributed to the bear, such as cunning, wildness, strength, and others.
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For citation:
Akhmatova M. A., Ketenechiev M. B. and Khubolov S. M. The Concept of Aiyu ‘Bear’ in the Karachay-Balkar Linguoculture. New Research of Tuva, 2026, no. 2, pp. 234-244 (In Russ.). DOI: https://doi.org/10.25178/nit.2026.2.15
Author Biographies
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Mariam A. Akhmatova Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov
Doctor of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Karachay-Balkarian Philology, Social and Humanitarian Institute, Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov.
Postal address: 173 Chernyshevskogo St., 360004, Nalchik, Russia.
E-mail: mari.ahmatova@yandex.ru
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Mussa B. Ketenechiev Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov
Doctor of Philology, Professor, Professor of the Department of Karachay-Balkarian Philology, Social and Humanitarian Institute, Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov.
Postal address: 173 Chernyshevskogo St., 360004, Nalchik, Russia.
E-mail: ketenchiev@mail.ru
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Sakhadin M. Khubolov Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov
Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Karachay-Balkarian Philology, Social and Humanitarian Institute, Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh. M. Berbekov.
Postal address: 173 Chernyshevskogo St., 360004, Nalchik, Russia.
E-mail: khubol@yandex.ru
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