ONYMIC REPRESENTATION OF THE “SELF” – “OTHER” OPPOSITION IN THE UKRAINIAN LINGUISTIC WORLDVIEW

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the onymic representation of the “self” – “other” opposition in the Ukrainian linguistic worldview, incorporating cognitive, linguocultural, and onomastic approaches. The relevance of the study is driven by the need to understand the linguistic mechanisms behind the formation of national identity amidst contemporary sociocultural transformations, as well as the growing interest in the conceptualization of “otherness” within the Ukrainian linguistic space. The paper substantiates the status of the “self” – “other” opposition as a universal cognitive model that performs a regulatory function within the structure of the linguistic worldview and defines the boundaries of cultural and social self-identification. 
Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the structural components of the concepts “self” and “other”, their semantic content, and their figurative-symbolic representation. It is determined that these concepts possess a complex multilevel organization, including a core, periphery, and connotative zones that change dynamically depending on the historical and discursive context. The article analyzes the functioning of onyms (anthroponyms, toponyms, ethnonyms, and surnames) as markers of “self” and “other” spaces, clarifying their role in forming axiological oppositions and identification strategies. 
Semantic and pragmatic mechanisms for the opposition of proper names are considered separately, specifically connotative polarization, stylistic marking, metaphorization, and the ideologization of onyms. It is established that in various types of discourse–folklore, artistic, historical, and media–proper names acquire additional meanings, acting as carriers of cultural memory and symbols of collective experience. The study traces the dynamics of the transformation of the “self” – “other” opposition in the contemporary linguistic space, particularly under the influence of globalization processes and media discourse. 
The results demonstrate that the onymic system of the Ukrainian language is a vital tool for the conceptualization of reality, reflecting deep-seated cognitive and cultural mechanisms for distinguishing between “self” and “other”. This article may be useful for further research in the fields of onomastics, linguoculturology, and cognitive linguistics.