Article

Name: The classifier COLOR a dominant one in the categorization of mushrooms in the languages of the peoples of the Baikal region

Authors: Nataliia A. Petrova

Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Irkutsk, Russian Federation; Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, Russian Federation; Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen, China

In the section Linguistics

Abstract:

This study focuses on the categorization of mushrooms in Russian, Buryat, Tatar, Mongolian, Yakut, and Evenk languages. According to the author, the connection between categorization and nomination is demonstrated by how language units represent our worldview. Thus, the local languages exhibit varied reflections of the mushrooms found in the Baikal region. The prevalence of mushroom names in the Russian language is a testament to the significance of mushrooms in Russian culture. Mushrooms are not considered a significant part of the Buryat, Tatar, Mongolian, Yakut, and Even cultures, resulting in a limited number of mush-room names. The author discusses the cognitive classification features, or classifiers, used to name mushrooms, such as their color, shape, surface type, connection with animals, practical significance, and others. Extensive evidence supports the notion that the classifier COLOR is of primary importance in categorization. The colors relevant to mushroom nominations serve as confirmation for the theory of B. Berlin and P. Kay regarding the fundamental names of colors. Since the color attribute encompasses an evaluation of reality, it is classified as conceptual. The opposition between “white mushroom/black mushroom” shows the former as the optimal choice, edible and highly flavorful, and the latter as the least desirable choice, either inedible or less tasty. This differentiation is apparent in the mycological terminology in all the languages studied. The color choice for a mushroom name reflects its cultural symbolism. As an illustration, Turkic peoples utilize colors associated with solar symbolism to indicate the most valuable edible mushrooms.

Keywords: cognitive linguistics, categorization, classifier, vocabulary of nature, coloristic vocabulary, mushroom names, languages of the Baikal region

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