Semantic Interpretation of the Concept “Aqsaqal”in Different Linguistic Cultures

Abstract

This article deals with the linguistic unit, which in related linguistic cultures plays a dual role: firstly, in the Turkic languages (Azerbaijani, Bashkir, Kazakh, Tatar, Turkmen, etc.) and in some languages of the Caucasian family, it is the term of the emerged a few centuries ago and rather relevant at the moment concept aqsaqal. Secondly, in Russian and individual Turkic languages, it means an actualized lexical token that can be used both in its primary meaning (Aqsaqal—literally: gray-bearded, with a gray beard, that is old, elderly, wise, intelligent, who has obtained wisdom due to life experience), and in the figurative and ironic meaning (in the sports and political discourses, show business, etc.). Based on an analysis of the functioning of the lexical token in different linguistic cultures and different types of discourse, it is concluded that the old Turkic word aqsaqal not only has survived over centuries, but also has acquired new meanings and thus extended the discourse capacity, reflects the modern Eurasian realities, and is part of the active vocabulary of our contemporaries.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n5s4p114