Symbolism of the Sacred Dog: A Mytholinguistic Approach in Kazakh and English

Authors

  • Aigul Onalbayeva

    Department of Russian Language and Literature of the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
  • Raushangul Аvakova

    Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave., Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
  • Sholpan Kudyarova

    Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave., Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
  • Zhanar Akimisheva

    Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Ave., Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
  • Nurgul Nygmetova

    Karaganda Technical University Named after Abylkas Saginov, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
  • Sveta Samenova

    Karaganda Buketov University, Karaganda, Kazakhstan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i1.7801
Received: 18 November 2024 | Revised: 30 November 2024 | Accepted: 15 December 2024 | Published Online: 18 December 2024

Abstract

The image of a dog holds a special place in the culture and mythology of many peoples. This study examines how the dog became a sacred symbol associated with the afterworld, ancestral land, and subterranean realms. Using mythological texts, archaeological data, and linguistic analysis, the research identifies unique cultural and universal patterns in stable expressions about dogs in Kazakh and English. The study employs S. Qondybay's mytholinguistic method and comparative analysis to uncover the sacred and symbolic meanings of these expressions. The findings reveal that the dog is often seen as a guardian of the afterlife and a protector of human souls. The research highlights how specific cultural and linguistic features—unique to certain ethnic groups—are preserved in language. It also demonstrates the continuity of ancient mythological beliefs in modern expressions and rituals. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the connection between language, culture, and mythology, offering new perspectives for mytholinguistic and cultural research.

Keywords:

Sacred Animal; Afterlife; Mythology; Phraseological Analysis; Cultural Symbolism

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How to Cite

Onalbayeva, A., Аvakova R., Kudyarov, S., Akimisheva, Z., Nygmetova, N., & Samenova, S. (2025). Symbolism of the Sacred Dog: A Mytholinguistic Approach in Kazakh and English. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(1), 153–162. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i1.7801

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 1 (January 2025): In Progress

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Article

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Copyright © 2024 Moussa Diagne Faye, Vini Yves Bernadin Loyara, Amadou Keita, Mamadou Diop, Angelbert Chabi Biaou, Mahamadou Koita, Hamma Yacouba

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