Metaphors in the Language of Zhyrau: Structural Features and Functional Role

Authors

  • Daulet Zhalelov

    Department of Kazakh Literature, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
  • Amanzhol Altay

    Department of Kazakh Literature, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
  • Sagymbai Zhumagul

    Department of Kazakh Literature, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
  • Maktagul Orazbek

    Department of Kazakh Literature, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010008, Kazakhstan
  • Meruyert Zhalelova

    Department of Kazakh Literature, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana 010008, Kazakhstan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.8979
Received: 6 March 2025 | Revised: 31 March 2025 | Accepted: 7 April 2025 | Published Online: 8 April 2025

Abstract

This article explores the structural and functional characteristics of metaphors in the poetic language of zhyrau, who played a pivotal role in shaping Kazakh national consciousness and identity. The study investigates metaphors not only as stylistic devices but also as essential cognitive and discursive structures rooted in historical, social, and cultural contexts. Drawing on cognitive, structural-semantic, mythopoetic, and comparative-historical methods, the authors classify metaphors found in tolgau poetry into individual (authorial), conceptual, archetypal (symbolic), and discourse-based types. The article demonstrates how metaphors in zhyrau poetry express philosophical reflections, national ideology, and social critique, functioning as tools for political communication and historical narration. The poetic texts of prominent zhyrau such as Bukhar, Makhambet, Kaztugan, and Dospambet are analyzed to reveal the depth and diversity of metaphorical expressions, including equestrian, martial, and natural imagery. Through detailed textual analysis, the authors show how metaphor serves as a bridge between artistic expression and conceptual thought, enabling zhyrau to convey complex ideas on leadership, aging, conflict, and unity. The research emphasizes the syncretic role of the zhyrau—as poet, advisor, strategist, and ideologue—within the governance structure of the Kazakh Khanate. Ultimately, the study concludes that metaphor in zhyrau poetics is a multidimensional phenomenon that preserves and transmits national values, worldview, and historical memory, making it an integral part of Kazakhstan’s literary and cultural heritage.

Keywords:

Metaphor; Zhyrau; Structural Features; Functional Role; Individual (Authorial)

References

[1] Aristotle, 1978. Rhetoric (Book III). In: Kuznetcov, I., Petrov, O. (eds.). Aristotle and Ancient Literature. Nauka: Moscow, Russia.

[2] Cicero, 1936. Riddle. In: Utchenko, S., (ed.). Ancient Theories of Language and Style. OGIZ: Moscow, Russia.

[3] Ortega y Gasset, J., 1990. Two main metaphors. In: Arutyunova, N.D. (ed.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia.

[4] Cassirer, E., 1990. The power of metaphor. In: Petrov, A., (ed.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia.

[5] Richards, A., 1990. The philosophy of rhetoric. In: Arutyunova, N.D. (ed.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia.

[6] Black, M., 1990. Metaphor. In: Arutyunova, N.D. (ed.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia. pp. 153–172.

[7] Wheelwright, P., 1990. Metaphor and reality. In: Sazonov, F., Karpov, T.. (eds.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia. (in Russian).

[8] Arutyunova, N.D., Zhurinskaya, M.A., (eds.). 1990. Theory of Metaphor: Collection of Papers. Progress: Moscow, Russia.

[9] Maslova, V.A., 2012. The theory of conceptual metaphor and its role in modern linguistic studies. Linguistics and Linguoculturology. 5, 18–26.

[10] Lakoff, G., Johnson, M., 2004. Metaphors We Live by. Editorial URSS: Moscow, Russia. pp. 1–256.

[11] McCormack, E., 1990. Cognitive theory of metaphor. In: Sergeev, S.., (ed.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia.

[12] Davidson, D., 1990. What metaphors mean. In: Arutyunova, N.D. (ed.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia. pp. 172–193.

[13] Vico, G., 1994. The New Science on the Common Nature of Nations. Nauka: Moscow/Kyiv, Russia. pp. 113–114.

[14] Miller, J., 1990. Images and models, similes and metaphors. In: Bergen, L.. (ed.). Theory of Metaphor. Progress: Moscow, Russia.

[15] Khasanov, B., 1966. Metaphorical Use of Words in the Kazakh Language. Mektep: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

[16] Nurdauletova, B., 2008. The Conceptual Image of the World in Zhyrau Poetry (Western Zhyrau School). Nura-Astana: Astana: Kazakhstan. pp. 1–432.

[17] Thibodeau, P.H., Boroditsky, L., 2011. Metaphors we think with: The role of metaphor in reasoning. PLoS ONE. 6(2), e16782. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0016782

[18] Thibodeau, P.H., Boroditsky, L., 2013. Natural language metaphors covertly influence reasoning. PLoS ONE. 8(1), e52961. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0052961

[19] Zhusip, K.O., 2020. Introduction to Literary Studies. Gylym: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

[20] Zhanabayev, K., 2023. Poetic vocabulary of formulaic units frequency in the language of XV–XVIII century oral poets. 1, 17 02 2025.

[21] Adilbek, A., 2021. The Words of Oral Poets - The Eyes of History. Arys: Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–170.

[22] Kaskabasov, S. 2001. Seven Centuries of Song: Two Volumes (Vol. 1). Zhazushy: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

[23] Mazmundama Public Foundation, 2022. Poetry of oral poets. 3, 14 01 2025.

[24] Nysanbay Oral Poet, 2022. Kenessary–Nauryzbay. Mazmundama: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

[25] Jailau, B.S., Kabdolkaiyrov, G., 2021. The Swift Poet – Kashagan: An Academic collection Dedicated to the Poet and Oral Poet K. Kurzhimanuly. Kazakh Book: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

[26] Kaskabasov S. 2021. Masters of Song: Educational Literature for Children. Bayan Zhurek Publishing: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

[27] Nysanbai, N,. 2021 Works of Nauryzbek Oral Poet: Termes, Tolgaus, Epic Songs, and Memories About the Oral Poet. Print-Plus: Gylym: Almaty, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–9.

[28] Kaskabasov, S. (2014) Selected Works. Astana: Foliant, p. 344.Omiraliev, Q., 1976. The Language of Kazakh Poetry from the 15th–19th Centuries. Gylym: Almaty, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–269.

[29] Magauin, M., 2006. Aldaspan: An Anthology of Ancient Kazakh Poetry (15th–18th Centuries). Atamura: Almaty, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–312.

[30] Magauin, M., 2004. Seven Centuries of Poetry. Zhazushy: Almaty, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–400.

[31] Sopory, P., 2006. Metaphor and attitude accessibility. Southern Communication Journal. 71(3), 251–272.

[32] Kaliyuly, G. 2011. Kazakh Literary Language Dictionary. Atamura: Almaty, Kazakhstan.

[33] Margulan, A., 1971. Ancient Poems and Legends. Zhazushy: Almaty, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–398.

[34] Magauin, M., 1968. The Sound of Kobyz: Kazakh Poets and Zhyraus of the 15th–18th Centuries. Zhazushy: Almaty, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–154.

[35] Akhmetov, Z., 2006. Dictionary of Literary Terms. Taler-Press: Semey-Novosibirsk, Kazakhstan. pp. 1–397.

[36] Zhakulayev, A., Takirov, S., Khassenov, B., 2024. Literary text and historical discourse: A questionnaire study. International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies, 7(3), 1174–1181.

Downloads

How to Cite

Zhalelov, D., Altay, A., Zhumagul, S., Orazbek, M., & Zhalelova, M. (2025). Metaphors in the Language of Zhyrau: Structural Features and Functional Role. Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(4), 353–365. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i4.8979

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 4 (April 2025): In Progress

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2025 Daulet Zhalelov, Amanzhol Altay, Sagymbai Zhumagul, Maktagul Orazbek, Meruyert Zhalelova

Creative Commons License

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