Comparative analysis of phraseological units with the "laughter" component in English and Russian: conceptual and semantic aspect

Abstract

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of phraseological units (FE) with the component "laughter" in English and Russian. The relevance of the study is due to the insufficient knowledge of this group of FE in the contrastive aspect, as well as the importance of the concept of "laughter" in both linguistic cultures. The aim of the work is to identify universal and nationally specific features in the semantics and functioning of English and Russian phrases with the "laughter" component. The research material was 147 English and 132 Russian phrases, selected using a continuous sampling method from reputable phraseological dictionaries. The work uses a set of methods: descriptive, comparative, conceptual analysis, elements of statistical analysis. It was found that both languages are dominated by FE with a negative connotation (61% in English, 58% in Russian). Universal metaphorical models have been identified (LAUGHTER IS A WEAPON, LAUGHTER IS A MEDICINE), as well as nationally specific images (laughing hyena, busting bellies with laughter). The key cognitive features of the "laughter" concept are identified: the nature, intensity, and cause of laughter. The results obtained deepen the understanding of the phraseological representation of laughter as a phenomenon of the human emotional sphere. The prospects of the research are related to the analysis of discursive practices of using the studied FE.