Reflection of Axiological Picture of the World in Language
The article is devoted to the transformation of axiological system related to ethno-cultural values, which are studied through the prism of language consciousness. On the basis of associative experiment conducted with native Tuvan speakers, the words reflecting Tuvans nomadic way of life are analyzed: flock , yurt , horse . Associative meanings of these words are considered in comparison with Tuvan traditional and cultural worldview. The author analyzes new acquired meanings presented in a world image of modern bearer of Tuvan linguistic culture. The analysis reveals that new associative meanings appear in associative field of words yurt and horse . These meanings indicate changes in traditional Tuvan worldview. On the other hand, the analysis shows that associative meanings are not updated for all lexical units. In central area of word flock there are numerous zero responses. It shows departure of modern Tuvans from traditional way of life. Therefore, some words related to old way of life are practically unknown to modern native speakers and today we observe their “lexical defunctionalization”. The actualization of unusual associative images indicates changes in Tuvans language mentality, formation of new national and cultural stereotypes. Investigation of word meanings and their dynamics is relevant to predict development of national cultures and modern society as a whole.