A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE LEXEME “LAW/法” IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RUSSIAN AND CHINESE LINGUISTIC WORLDVIEWS

Abstract

In this article, we employ the theory of linguistic worldview as well as methods of cognitive linguistics and linguistic cultural studies to conduct a comparative analysis of the lexeme “закон(law)” in Russian and “法 (fa, law) ” in Chinese. The study examines the origins and evolution of the lexeme, analyzes its dictionary defi nitions, and investigates its real-world usage in Russian and Chinese languages. Our goal is to carry out an in-depth exploration of the common features and diff erences between the two lexemes, which convey the concept of rules and order. After a detailed analysis of text corpora, we discovered profound connections between the Russian lexeme “закон(law)” and religion, morality, and law, as well as between the Chinese lexeme “法(fa, law)” and reality and punishment. Investigating the history and development of the lexeme “закон/法” allows for a better understanding of its initial meanings and their evolution. Changes in the meanings of the lexeme are closely tied to its interaction with cultural and social contexts, underscoring the importance of analyzing not only linguistic but also historical and cultural factors. By comparing the interpretations of the same lexeme across diff erent dictionaries, we can identify certain shifts in its meanings and usage, providing insights into the historical evolution of its signifi cance and cultural connotations. Furthermore, the use of corpus methods enables the study of how the lexeme functions in various contexts. The comparative analysis of Russian and Chinese cultures demonstrates how language shapes and refl ects social norms and values, opening new horizons for understanding potential diff erences in intercultural communication and cooperation.