Concept in Kazakh Linguoculture: An Experimental-Associative Study

Abstract

This article explores the concept of qoŋyr as a unique phenomenon within Kazakh linguoculture. The primary objective of the study is to identify the semantic dominants and cultural associations activated in the minds of native speakers when perceiving this word. The research is based on an associative experiment conducted with 103 respondents using the semantic differential method. Participants were asked to evaluate the degree of associative connection between qoŋyr and 64 concepts grouped into 16 thematic categories, including nature, emotions, age, moral traits, musical instruments, and others. Statistical processing through the Jamovi software enabled the identification of stable associative links that reflect the deep integration of qoŋyr into Kazakh national consciousness. The results revealed that qoŋyr extends beyond its literal meaning as a color term, encompassing a broad spectrum of emotional, symbolic, and axiological meanings. It is most frequently associated with concepts such as autumn (küz), soil (topyraq), the traditional musical instrument dombra, the personality trait momyn (meek), and ethnic identity (Qazaq), indicating its role as a cultural code. The findings suggest that qoŋyr functions as a complex linguocultural construct expressing core Kazakh values, including simplicity, spiritual harmony, emotional depth, and connection with nature and tradition. The study contributes to the fields of cognitive linguistics, ethnolinguistics, and language pedagogy by offering empirical evidence of concept formation in minority languages. The results may also be applied in the development of culturally grounded Kazakh language teaching materials and comparative cultural-linguistic research.