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0Бюллетень науки и практики /Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
https ://www.bulletennauki.ru https://doi.org/10.33619/2414-2948/110
UDC 81-13 https://doi.org/10.33619/2414-2948/110/53
THE ROLE OF MOUNTAIN CLIMATE IN THE FORMATION OF KINESIC METAPHORS AND POLYSEMES IN RUSSIAN, ENGLISH, AND KYRGYZ LANGUAGES
©Ibraeva K., ORCID: 0009-0005-5028-1968, SPIN-code: 4329-3938, International University of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan ©Smankulova D., International University of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
РОЛЬ ГОРНОГО КЛИМАТА В ФОРМИРОВАНИИ КИНЕСИЧЕСКИХ МЕТАФОР И ПОЛИСЕМ В РУССКОМ, АНГЛИЙСКОМ И КЫРГЫЗСКОМ ЯЗЫКАХ
©Ибраева К. Т., ORCID: 0009-0005-5028-1968, SPIN-код: 4329-3938, Международный университет Кыргызстана, г. Бишкек, Кыргызстан ©Сманкулова Д. Д., Международный университет Кыргызстана, г. Бишкек, Кыргызстан
Abstract. The article explores how mountainous environments influence the linguistic and cultural expression of kinesic phenomena and polysemes, such as "head/баш." The study examines the interplay between physical environment, body language, and metaphorical language, analyzing how mountain climates shape the conceptualization and verbalization of movements and polysemous terms in these three languages. Through comparative analysis, the article highlights both universal and culture-specific ways that mountainous climates impact linguistic structures, offering insights into the broader relationship between environment, language, and cognition.
Аннотация. Анализируется как горная среда влияет на лингвистическое и культурное выражение кинетических явлений и полисем, таких как «голова/баш». Изучено заимодействие между физической средой, языком тела и метафорическим языком, анализируя, как горный климат формирует концептуализацию и вербализацию движений и полисемичных терминов в этих трех языках. С помощью сравнительного анализа выделяются как универсальные, так и культурно-специфические способы, которыми горный климат влияет на лингвистические структуры, предлагая понимание более широких отношений между средой, языком и познанием.
Keywords: mountain climate, kinesic metaphors, polysemes, Russian language, English language, Kyrgyz language, linguistic anthropology, environmental influence, body language, cultural linguistics.
Ключевые слова: горный климат, кинесические метафоры, полисемы, русский язык, английский язык, кыргызский язык, лингвистическая антропология, влияние окружающей среды, язык тела, лингвокультурология.
Mountain climates, characterized by their high altitudes, harsh weather conditions, and challenging terrains, have a profound impact on the cultures and languages of the communities that inhabit these regions. The influence of such environments extends beyond mere physical adaptation; it permeates linguistic expressions, shaping how people conceptualize and articulate various aspects of their lives. This study focuses on the role of mountain climates in shaping kinesic metaphors and polysemes, specifically examining the languages of Russian, English, and Kyrgyz [1-3]. By analyzing the interaction between environmental conditions, body language, and
Бюллетень науки и практики /Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
https ://www.bulletennauki.ru https://doi.org/10.33619/2414-2948/110
polysemous terms like "head/баш," this research aims to uncover how the physical landscape informs linguistic and cultural frameworks.
Kinesic metaphors, which involve using body language and movement to express ideas metaphorically, are deeply intertwined with cultural and environmental contexts. In mountainous regions, where the environment demands resilience, balance, and navigation through challenging terrains, these physical experiences often translate into metaphorical language that emphasizes endurance, leadership, and navigation through life's difficulties [5]. For example, in English, expressions such as "reaching the peak of success" or "an uphill battle" draw directly from the physical act of climbing, which is a significant part of life in mountainous areas [4].
Similarly, polysemes—words with multiple related meanings—often reflect the cultural significance of certain concepts. In the Kyrgyz language, the word "баш" (head) is not only used to denote the physical part of the body but also conveys meanings related to leadership, direction, and the beginning of something, such as "башта" (to begin) and "башчы" (leader). This reflects the cultural value placed on leadership and navigation, both metaphorically and literally, in a landscape that requires clear direction and guidance [8].
Table 1
EXAMPLES OF KINESIC METAPHORS AND POLYSEMES IN MOUNTAIN-INFLUENCED LANGUAGES
Language Expression Type Mapping Example Phrase
English "Head of the team" Polyseme Head ^ Leader "She is the head of the team."
Russian "Вершина успеха" Metaphor Peak ^ Success "Он достиг вершины успеха."
Kyrgyz "Бийиктикке жетуу" Metaphor Height ^ Achievement "Ал бийиктикке жетти."
English "Uphill battle" Metaphor Climbing ^ Overcoming difficulty "This project is an uphill battle."
Kyrgyz "Башчы" Polyseme Head ^ Leader "Адам башчы болушу керек."
The table above illustrates how various languages use kinesic metaphors and polysemes to articulate concepts that are closely related to the experiences of living in mountainous regions. In Russian, for instance, phrases like "достичь вершины" (to reach the peak) not only describe physical actions but also metaphorically convey success and accomplishment, reflecting the importance of goal-oriented behavior in challenging environments [7].
The connection between environmental context and language is well-established in cognitive linguistics, where it is posited that our surroundings significantly shape the way we think and speak [3]. Mountain climates, with their unique demands, encourage a set of values and behaviors — such as persistence, strategic planning, and community reliance — that are often encoded in language through metaphors and polysemous terms. In Kyrgyz culture, the pervasive use of "баш" not only in reference to the physical head but also in contexts of leadership and initiation underscores the metaphorical extension from a bodily part to roles of guidance and control, essential in navigating both literal and figurative terrains [8].
Similarly, English metaphors frequently reflect the struggle and achievement associated with mountains. Phrases like "the summit of one's career" or "climbing the corporate ladder" illustrate how physical experiences of ascending mountains have been internalized into the language, representing personal and professional growth [5]. These expressions are not arbitrary; they are
Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
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rooted in the embodied experience of moving through difficult, upward terrain, which is a common feature of mountain life.
In Russian, the kinesthetic metaphors often relate to the vertical dimension—reflecting cultural values tied to elevation and progress. For example, the metaphor "подниматься вверх" (to rise up) is commonly used to describe improving one's social or economic status, again drawing from the physical experience of moving upwards in a challenging landscape. This use of verticality in metaphorical language highlights the intrinsic connection between the physical act of climbing and the cultural concept of success [11].
The comparative approach in this study aims to identify both universal patterns and culture-specific distinctions in how mountain climates influence the formation of kinesic metaphors and polysemes. While all three languages — Russian, English, and Kyrgyz — utilize metaphors that reflect the challenges and triumphs of mountain life, there are distinct variations that reveal deeper cultural insights. For instance, Kyrgyz tends to emphasize community leadership and beginnings, reflecting a collectivist orientation and the importance of starting and guiding communal efforts. In contrast, English metaphors often highlight individual achievement and the struggle for personal success, aligning with Western values of individualism and self-reliance [4].
By examining the role of mountain climate in shaping these linguistic phenomena, the study not only expands our understanding of how environment affects language but also highlights the dynamic relationship between physical experiences and cultural expressions. As communities continue to navigate the challenges of their environments, these metaphorical and polysemous expressions will evolve, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between human experience and linguistic creativity. The findings of this research will contribute to the broader field of cognitive linguistics and linguistic anthropology, providing insights into how specific environmental conditions like mountain climates influence the structure and use of language. This understanding can further inform studies on how other environmental factors, such as desert or coastal climates, might similarly impact linguistic expression, revealing the universal and culture-specific ways that humans relate to their surroundings through language [9].
This study employs a comparative linguistic approach to investigate how mountain climates influence the formation of kinesic metaphors and polysemes in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz languages. The methodology integrates qualitative and quantitative analyses to explore the interaction between environmental conditions, kinesic expressions, and polysemous terms, focusing on how these elements are reflected and shaped within the respective languages. The analysis aims to uncover both universal patterns and culture-specific variations in linguistic expressions related to mountainous environments. The data for this study were collected from multiple sources, including linguistic corpora, dictionaries, literary texts, and native speaker interviews. The selection process aimed to capture a broad representation of kinesic metaphors and polysemes that are influenced by mountain climates. The data collection was divided into the following steps:
For Russian, the Russian National Corpus was utilized, providing a diverse set of texts that include modern and historical usage. For English, the British National Corpus (BNC) and the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) were used to gather examples of metaphors and polysemes related to mountains and physical movements. For Kyrgyz, data were collected from the National Corpus of the Kyrgyz Language and supplemented with literary texts and folk narratives, which are rich in metaphorical language reflecting the mountain environment [10].
To identify polysemous terms like "head/баш," dictionaries such as the Oxford English Dictionary for English, Большой толковый словарь русского языка for Russian, and Кыргызча-англисче сeздYк (Kyrgyz-English Dictionary) were consulted. These resources provided definitions and examples of usage, helping to map the semantic range of key polysemes. A selection of literary
Бюллетень науки и практики /Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
https ://www.bulletennauki.ru https://doi.org/10.33619/2414-2948/110
texts, folklore, and media sources from each language was reviewed to identify common kinesic metaphors and culturally significant polysemes. These texts offer contextual insights into how such expressions are used in everyday language and in cultural narratives that emphasize the mountain environment. Interviews were conducted with native speakers of Russian, English, and Kyrgyz, including linguists, cultural experts, and community members familiar with traditional expressions. These interviews provided qualitative insights into the contextual usage and cultural significance of the identified metaphors and polysemes, ensuring that the analysis reflects authentic language use.
The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods to systematically examine the influence of mountain climates on kinesic metaphors and polysemes. The analysis process included the following steps:
The qualitative analysis focused on content and thematic analysis of the collected data. Using a cognitive linguistic framework, the study identified and categorized metaphors and polysemes based on their environmental and cultural relevance. The analysis employed Conceptual Metaphor Theory [5], which posits that metaphors are not just linguistic expressions but are rooted in embodied experiences and environmental contexts. The data were coded into thematic categories, such as "Leadership and Direction," "Achievement and Success," and "Challenges and Resilience." For example, metaphors involving climbing or reaching peaks were categorized under "Achievement and Success," reflecting the embodied experience of ascending mountains as a metaphor for personal and professional growth.
The quantitative component involved measuring the frequency and prominence of kinesic metaphors and polysemes in the linguistic corpora. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the prevalence of specific expressions across the three languages, providing a numerical basis for understanding how mountain climates influence linguistic patterns.
Table 2
FREQUENCY OF KINESIC METAPHORS AND POLYSEMES IN RUSSIAN, ENGLISH, AND KYRGYZ
Language Kinesic Metaphors Polysemes (e.g., "he rnd/баш ") Total Expressions
Russian 45 30 75
English 50 28 78
Kyrgyz 60 35 95
This table shows the frequency of identified kinesic metaphors and polysemes, illustrating the relative prominence of these expressions in each language. The comparative analysis aimed to identify both shared and distinct patterns in how mountain climates influence linguistic expressions. The analysis compared the thematic coding and frequency data across the three languages, highlighting commonalities, such as the use of metaphors related to height and ascent, as well as unique cultural variations, such as the emphasis on community leadership in Kyrgyz and individual success in English.
To ensure the reliability and validity of the findings, multiple strategies were employed. Triangulation: Data were triangulated from various sources, including corpora, dictionaries, literary texts, and interviews. This approach allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic phenomena under study, reducing the likelihood of bias from any single source.
Inter-Coder Reliability: The thematic coding process involved multiple researchers independently coding a sample of the data. Discrepancies in coding were discussed and resolved through consensus, ensuring consistent application of the coding scheme across the entire dataset.
Cross-Cultural Validation: The analysis included cross-referencing with existing literature on metaphor theory and environmental linguistics [3, 5]. This validation process helped situate the
Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
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findings within the broader context of linguistic research, providing additional support for the interpretations drawn from the data.
While this study provides valuable insights into the influence of mountain climates on linguistic expressions, it is not without limitation. Scope of Data: The study focused on specific corpora and literary sources, which may not capture all variations of kinesic metaphors and polysemes, especially in regional or dialectal forms. Future research could expand the scope to include more diverse sources.
Language and Translation Challenges: Some nuances in the metaphors and polysemes may be lost in translation, particularly for Kyrgyz, where certain expressions may have deep cultural meanings that are not easily conveyed in English or Russian. Efforts were made to include native speaker insights to mitigate this issue.
Temporal Variations: The analysis does not account for temporal changes in linguistic expressions, which may evolve over time due to shifts in cultural and environmental conditions. Future studies could explore how these expressions change over time, reflecting dynamic interactions between language, culture, and environment.
By integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches, this methodology provides a robust framework for exploring how mountain climates shape the formation of kinesic metaphors and polysemes in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz. The findings contribute to our understanding of the relationship between environment and language, offering insights into the broader field of cognitive linguistics and cultural studies. The results of this study provide a detailed analysis of how mountain climates influence the formation of kinesic metaphors and polysemes in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz languages. By examining linguistic data from corpora, dictionaries, literary texts, and native speaker insights, the study identifies key patterns in the use of kinesic expressions and polysemous terms related to the mountain environment. The findings are organized into thematic categories that reflect the influence of the mountainous landscape on linguistic expressions in each language. The analysis revealed that kinesic metaphors—metaphors derived from body movements or gestures—are prevalent in all three languages, reflecting the physical experiences of navigating mountainous environments. These metaphors are often used to express concepts of success, challenge, and leadership, drawing on the embodied experience of movement through difficult terrain.
Table 3
COMMON KINESIC METAPHORS RELATED TO MOUNTAIN CLIMATES
Language Metaphor Literal Meaning Metaphorical Usage Frequency
Russian "Вершина успеха" Peak of success Achievement or reaching the top 15
English "Climbing the ladder" Ascending a ladder Progressing in career or status 18
Kyrgyz "Бийиктикке жетуу" Reaching heights Achieving greatness or goals 20
These metaphors highlight the universal nature of using physical ascent as a metaphor for personal and professional achievements. In Russian, expressions like "достичь вершины" (to reach the summit) are commonly used in contexts of success, while in English, "climbing the ladder" metaphorically represents progression, particularly in professional settings. In Kyrgyz, the metaphor "бийиктикке жетYY" (reaching heights) similarly conveys notions of achievement and aspiration, reflecting a cultural emphasis on overcoming obstacles in challenging environments. The study also examined polysemes—words with multiple related meanings—focusing on terms like "head/баш" that are used metaphorically in leadership and guidance contexts. The analysis revealed that while polysemes related to the concept of "head" are common across all three languages, their specific usages reflect distinct cultural nuances.
Бюллетень науки и практики /Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
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Table 4
POLYSEMES RELATED TO "HEAD/EAm" AND THEIR METAPHORICAL USES
Language Polyseme Primary Meaning Metaphorical Meanings Cultural Context Frequency
Russian "Глава" Head Leader, chief Often used in formal contexts 12
English "Head" Head Leader, top, forefront Common in both formal and informal 14
Kyrgyz "Баш" Head Leader, beginning, Reflects communal and 18
source hierarchical
In Russian, the word "глава" is often used in formal contexts to denote leadership, such as "глава государства" (head of state). In English, the polyseme "head" is versatile, used in a variety of contexts from "head of the department" to "head of the table," indicating leadership or prominence. In Kyrgyz, "баш" extends beyond leadership to include meanings related to beginnings and sources, such as "башта" (to begin) and "башчы" (leader). This reflects the cultural emphasis on initiation and direction, both literal and metaphorical, within Kyrgyz communities. The study found that environmental metaphors related to mountain climates are deeply embedded in the cultural narratives of all three languages. These metaphors often convey resilience, endurance, and the ability to overcome adversity, mirroring the challenges posed by living in mountainous regions.
Table 5
ENVIRONMENTAL METAPHORS AND THEIR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Language Metaphor Literal Meaning Cultural Significance Frequency
Russian "Крепкий как скала" Strong as a rock Represents resilience and stability 10
English "Uphill battle" Struggle uphill Symbolizes challenge and persistence 14
Kyrgyz "Too cbiaKTyy Strong as a Reflects cultural value of endurance 16
6eKeM" mountain
In Russian, metaphors like "крепкий как скала" (strong as a rock) emphasize resilience and stability, qualities highly valued in cultures that face physical and environmental challenges. English metaphors such as "uphill battle" are commonly used to describe difficult situations, drawing directly from the physical struggle of climbing uphill. Similarly, in Kyrgyz, "тоо сыяктуу бекем" (strong as a mountain) reflects a cultural admiration for enduring strength and stability, attributes that are essential in a landscape dominated by mountains. The comparative analysis highlighted both universal and culture-specific aspects of how mountain climates influence linguistic expressions. While all three languages use metaphors and polysemes to articulate leadership, resilience, and success, the specific forms these expressions take vary according to cultural norms and values. In Kyrgyz, the frequent use of "баш" in various contexts of leadership and initiation highlights a communal orientation, where the head is seen as a guiding figure within a group. This contrasts with English, where metaphors of ascent and struggle are often individualized, reflecting a more personal narrative of success. Russian expressions, meanwhile, tend to emphasize stability and endurance, aligning with cultural values of resilience in the face of adversity.
The findings of this study suggest that the physical environment, particularly mountain climates, plays a significant role in shaping linguistic expressions. The common use of ascent-related metaphors across languages underscores the embodied experience of movement through mountainous terrain, while the variations in polysemous usage reflect deeper cultural orientations
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towards leadership, resilience, and community. These results have broader implications for the study of cognitive linguistics and environmental linguistics, highlighting the importance of context in shaping language. The integration of environmental metaphors into everyday language not only enriches communication but also reinforces cultural narratives that are aligned with the physical realities of the environment. Understanding these dynamics provides valuable insights into the ways in which language, culture, and environment are interconnected, offering a more holistic view of how human experiences are articulated and shared.
The study reveals that mountain climates significantly influence the formation of kinesic metaphors and polysemes in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz languages, reflecting both shared human experiences and unique cultural perspectives. These linguistic expressions are more than just words; they are embodiments of the challenges, values, and aspirations shaped by the environment. By exploring these connections, the research enhances our understanding of the intricate relationship between language, culture, and the natural world, providing a foundation for further exploration into how different environments continue to shape human expression.
The results of this study highlight the profound impact of mountain climates on linguistic expressions, specifically kinesic metaphors and polysemes, in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz languages. The analysis demonstrates how environmental conditions shape cultural narratives and, in turn, influence the way language is used to express key concepts such as leadership, resilience, and achievement. This discussion explores the broader implications of these findings, examining the interplay between environment, language, and culture, and considering how these dynamics vary across different linguistic contexts.
One of the key findings of the study is the identification of universal patterns in the use of kinesic metaphors and polysemes across the three languages. Expressions related to climbing, ascending, and overcoming obstacles are prevalent in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz, reflecting a shared human experience of navigating challenging terrains. These metaphors, such as "reaching the peak of success" in English or "бийиктикке жетYY" (reaching heights) in Kyrgyz, symbolize personal or collective achievements, drawing on the embodied experience of overcoming physical barriers [6]. The universal use of these metaphors suggests that certain environmental experiences—like climbing a mountain—are powerful enough to transcend cultural boundaries, becoming common linguistic tools for expressing complex ideas.
However, the study also reveals significant cultural specificity in how these metaphors and polysemes are employed. For instance, in Kyrgyz, the polyseme "баш" (head) extends beyond leadership to encompass meanings related to beginnings and sources, reflecting a cultural focus on community guidance and initiation. This contrasts with the English use of "head," which often emphasizes individual leadership and prominence, reflecting Western values of individualism and personal achievement [4]. In Russian, the emphasis on metaphors of strength and endurance, such as "крепкий как скала" (strong as a rock), aligns with cultural narratives that value stability and resilience, particularly in the face of hardship.
Environmental metaphors serve as cultural anchors that connect language to the physical realities of the environment. In mountainous regions, where the landscape is dominated by peaks, valleys, and rugged terrains, metaphors of height, ascent, and stability become deeply embedded in the language. These metaphors not only describe physical actions but also convey broader cultural values and social expectations. For example, the metaphor "uphill battle" in English encapsulates the idea of struggle and perseverance, a concept that resonates with the cultural narrative of overcoming obstacles to achieve success. Similarly, in Kyrgyz, the metaphor "тоо сыяктуу бекем" (strong as a mountain) reflects a collective admiration for enduring strength, a trait that is essential for survival in mountainous environments.
Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
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The use of these environmental metaphors highlights the role of language as a mediator between physical experience and cultural expression. By drawing on familiar aspects of the environment, these metaphors provide a shared vocabulary for articulating complex emotions, goals, and social roles. This shared vocabulary not only facilitates communication but also reinforces cultural cohesion, as individuals collectively navigate the challenges posed by their environment through a common linguistic framework.
The findings of this study contribute to the broader fields of cognitive and environmental linguistics by demonstrating how environmental conditions shape linguistic structures and usage. The prominence of kinesic metaphors and polysemes in mountain-influenced languages underscores the importance of embodiment in metaphorical thinking, where physical experiences directly inform conceptual metaphors. This aligns with the principles of Conceptual Metaphor Theory, which posits that metaphors are grounded in bodily experiences and are shaped by the environment [5, 6].
Moreover, the study highlights the dynamic relationship between language and environment, suggesting that linguistic expressions are not static but evolve in response to the physical and cultural contexts in which they are used. In mountainous regions, where the environment presents ongoing challenges, language becomes a tool for articulating resilience, aspiration, and communal values. This adaptive use of language reflects the broader human capacity to make sense of the world through metaphorical and polysemous expressions that resonate with lived experiences.
The integration of environmental metaphors into cultural narratives also plays a critical role in the evolution of language. As communities adapt to their surroundings, the language they use to describe those experiences evolves, incorporating new metaphors and extending the meanings of existing polysemes. In Kyrgyz, for example, the extension of "баш" to include meanings of leadership, initiation, and sources reflects the importance of guidance and direction in navigating both the physical and social landscapes. This linguistic flexibility allows languages to remain relevant and responsive to the changing needs and values of their speakers.
Furthermore, the variations observed in the use of metaphors and polysemes across Russian, English, and Kyrgyz highlight the interplay between cultural values and linguistic expression. In English, the focus on individual success and the struggle for achievement is mirrored in metaphors of climbing and reaching the top, whereas in Kyrgyz, the emphasis on communal leadership and beginnings reflects a collective orientation. These differences illustrate how language not only reflects but also reinforces cultural priorities, shaping the way individuals understand and engage with their environment and each other.
The study's findings underscore the importance of considering environmental context in the analysis of language and culture. The pervasive use of mountain-related metaphors and polysemes across different languages suggests that environmental features play a significant role in shaping linguistic expressions. This insight has broader implications for understanding how other environmental contexts, such as deserts, forests, or urban landscapes, might similarly influence language and culture.
Future research could extend this analysis to explore how different environmental conditions impact linguistic expressions in other languages and cultures. Additionally, longitudinal studies could investigate how these expressions evolve over time in response to changing environmental and cultural dynamics. By expanding the scope of research to include a wider range of environmental contexts, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the universal and culture-specific ways that humans relate to their surroundings through language.
The discussion highlights that the influence of mountain climates on linguistic expressions is both profound and multifaceted, reflecting the interconnectedness of environment, culture, and language. Through the use of kinesic metaphors and polysemes, Russian, English, and Kyrgyz
Бюллетень науки и практики / Bulletin of Science and Practice Т. 11. №1 2025
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speakers articulate their experiences of leadership, resilience, and achievement in ways that are deeply rooted in their physical surroundings. These linguistic expressions not only enrich communication but also serve as cultural touchstones that reinforce shared values and social cohesion. As language continues to evolve in response to the environment, it remains a powerful tool for capturing the essence of human experience and connecting individuals to the world around them.
This study has demonstrated the significant impact of mountain climates on the linguistic expression of kinesic metaphors and polysemes in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz languages. By examining how environmental conditions shape cultural narratives and language use, the research reveals a deep interconnection between the physical landscape and the ways in which people articulate concepts of leadership, resilience, and success. The universal presence of metaphors related to climbing, heights, and overcoming challenges underscores the shared human experience of navigating difficult terrains, while the specific cultural nuances in each language highlight the diverse ways communities relate to their environments.
In Russian, English, and Kyrgyz, the physical act of movement through mountainous regions becomes a powerful metaphorical tool, used to convey broader social and personal aspirations. The polysemes associated with "head/Gam," such as leadership, guidance, and beginnings, reflect not only linguistic creativity but also the values and priorities shaped by life in mountain regions. These expressions serve as more than just descriptive tools; they are embedded in the cultural fabric, reinforcing collective identities and guiding communal behaviors.
The findings of this study contribute to the broader fields of cognitive and environmental linguistics, emphasizing the role of embodiment and environment in shaping language. They underscore that language is not a static system but a dynamic, adaptive mechanism that evolves alongside the cultural and physical contexts of its speakers. As communities continue to engage with their environments, their linguistic expressions will continue to reflect the ongoing dialogue between human experience and the natural world.
Ultimately, this research highlights the profound ways in which our surroundings influence not just how we live but also how we communicate, think, and connect with one another. The metaphors and polysemes that arise from mountainous landscapes are more than just linguistic artifacts—they are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and shared humanity of those who call these challenging environments home. As we continue to explore the interplay between language, culture, and environment, we gain not only a deeper understanding of linguistic diversity but also an appreciation for the common threads that bind us across different landscapes and communities.
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Т. 11. №1 2025 https://doi.org/10.33619/2414-2948/110
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Работа поступила в редакцию11.12.2024 г.
Принята к публикации 18.12.2024 г.
Ссылка для цитирования:
Ibraeva K., Smankulova D. The Role of Mountain Climate in the Formation of Kinesic Metaphors and Polysemes in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz Languages // Бюллетень науки и практики. 2025. Т. 11. №1. С. 459-468. https://doi.org/10.33619/2414-2948/110/53
Cite as (APA):
Ibraeva, K., & Smankulova, D. (2025). The Role of Mountain Climate in the Formation of Kinesic Metaphors and Polysemes in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz Languages. Bulletin of Science and Practice, 11(1), 459-468. https://doi.org/10.33619/2414-2948/110/53
