Actual Problems of Determining the Phenomenon of Cognitive Synonymy in Linguistics

Authors

  • Sayan Zhirenov

    Department of Theory of Kazakh Linguistics and Methodology, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
  • Zeinep Osmanova

    Department of Theory of Kazakh Linguistics and Methodology, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
  • Zhazira Nursultankyzy

    Department of Philology, Journalism and History, Kyzylorda Bolashak University, Kyzylorda 120000, Kazakhstan
  • Nazira Amirzhanova

    Graduate School of Education, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
  • Yerlan Kassen

    Department of Theory of Kazakh Linguistics and Methodology, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
  • Zhanibek Ashirov

    Department of Theory of Kazakh Linguistics and Methodology, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11070
Received: 15 July 2025 | Revised: 12 August 2025 | Accepted: 28 August 2025 | Published Online: 3 November 2025

Abstract

The article identifies changes in the development of the synonym system, the criteria that make up the synonym series. Since synonyms are the main factor in the development of vocabulary and the richness of language, they should be studied in close connection with human thinking, association and stereotyping. Therefore, methods of cognitive research of synonyms have been proposed. Absolute synonyms are conditional, because meaning is constantly replenished and changes with the development of society. Hence, this article aims to prove conclusion that words whose meaning are fundamentally similar cannot be eternal. While antonyms are clearly binary oppositions, synonyms do not have such strict binary relations. The article was written to clarify the statement that creating synonymic series requires at least two-digit words. Currently, synonyms are also formed in the language system through authentic use of equivalent borrowings from other languages. Synonyms-epithets and synonyms-metaphors are also formed in cognitive-pragmatic interest. By studying synonyms in modern language within the «nucleus-periphery» framework, it becomes possible to determine relations between genotype-phenotype, hyponym - hypernym. Moreover, according to the «associative chain», the order of words in a synonymic series is defined by their semantic proximity to the preceding reference word. The methods of distinguishing synonymic series by semantic, stylistic and usage shades were proposed. The difference between associated and non-associated synonyms-epithets was demonstrated. Problems in translating synonyms into another language, along with their possible solutions, were discussed.

Keywords:

Cognitive Synonym; Synonym-Epithets; Associated Synonyms; Synonymic Series; Core; Periphery; Synonym-Metaphor

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How to Cite

Zhirenov, S., Osmanova, Z., Nursultankyzy, Z., Amirzhanova, N., Yerlan Kassen, & Ashirov, Z. (2025). Actual Problems of Determining the Phenomenon of Cognitive Synonymy in Linguistics. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(12), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i12.11070

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 12 (December 2025): In progress

Article Type

Article

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Copyright © 2025 Sayan Zhirenov, Zeinep Osmanova, Zhazira Nursultankyzy, Nazira Amirzhanova, Yerlan Kassen, Zhanibek Ashirov

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.