Lexical Connotations Reflekting National Color In Kasymbekov's Novel «The Broken Sword»

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the features of conveying national color through lexical connotations in Tölögön Kasymbekov’s novel “The Broken Sword”. Lexical connotation is a linguistic phenomenon that adds emotional, cultural, social, or historical shades of meaning to the basic (denotative) meaning of a word. The aim of the study is to reveal the inner world of the characters, the historical consciousness of the people, their spiritual values, and social norms through the linguistically symbolic and culturally loaded expressions found in the novel.

Lexical connotations in the novel are classified into seven main categories: history and mythology, nomadic lifestyle, natural and regional names (toponyms), traditions and customs, social values, patriotism, and kinship relations. Each category is analyzed in depth with examples from the novel, and the emotional, social, and cultural meanings of the linguistic units are explained. Idiomatic expressions such as "Let’s finish it from the horse’s mane", "We burned for the people", "The important paper", "Let it be a blessing", and "Secret chest" are shown to reflect the Kyrgyz people's national worldview, social relationship system, and spiritual values in an artistic manner.

The scientific significance of the study lies in demonstrating the Kyrgyz language’s artistic and expressive potential and in revealing the function of connotation in conveying national culture through linguistic methods. The practical significance of the article is to contribute to the strengthening of national identity, the preservation of linguistic heritage, and the transmission of cultural values to future generations. Moreover, this research can serve as a valuable source for the teaching of the Kyrgyz language, for the interpretation of literary works, and for studies exploring the relationship between language and culture. The novel is regarded as an artistic and linguo-cultural resource that reflects the spiritual world, historical memory, and cultural characteristics of the Kyrgyz people.