THE REPRESENTATION OF SUBCONCEPT THE BRITISH IN THE RUSSIAN BÉLLES-LÉTTRES

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the lexical means of verbalization of the subconcept “THE BRITISH” in the Russian belles-lettres. The problem of national identity is closely related to the problem of national stereotype. The stereotype, including the national one, is closely related to the linguistic factor and has a discursive nature. According to S. Filyushkina, the national stereotype also creates its own special, verbalized reality, reflecting the nation’s ideas about itself or about another, very biased as a rule. These ideas have a collective character and are inherited by the individual due to education, the influence of the environment and public opinion. From the standpoint of the textual approach, the analysis of the linguistic embodiment of the kernel and the near periphery of the modern Russian literature of various periods (over 1000 samples).
Verbalization of the image of the British in the artistic picture of the world is carried out using such frames as character, appearance, clothing, behavior. The appearance of the British is often assessed negatively. In terms of character, behavior and clothing, the British are divided into gentlemen and non-gentlemen. The former receive either a positive or an ironic assessment, the latter – more often negative, sometimes ironic. The good manners of the English are highlighted, especially in the process of their meal. English speech and pronunciation are also important from the point of view of authors.