LANGUAGE CONSTITUENTS OF THE CONCEPT ‘WAY’ IN IRISH FAIRY TALES

The aim of this article is to explore linguistic representation of the concept “way” in Irish fairy tales. Image, key lexeme, which is the core of the field, information content with its cognitive attributes and interpretation field, which is the periphery of the concept are elaborated. The results obtained show that the “way” in its direct and indirect meanings is the image and the key lexeme is “path”. It has been established that information content has seven cognitive attributes: exploration of new space, aim, distance, adventure, difficulties, destiny, and travel to afterlife world. Interpretation field includes two groups of proverbs with the first group presenting the “way” in its direct meaning and the second group comprising proverbs with the metaphorical usage of the “way”. Modelling the frame of the concept “way” allowed us to define the typical slots: subject of movement; the starting point of movement; trajectory; the environment of movement and the method of movement; locus; distance; driving power; and motivation. The concept “way” was structured using linguistic and cognitive approach, which made it possible to determine the image, information content and interpretation field. The study of the image of the concept revealed that “way” encompasses different aspects. The “way” is the basis of a person’s life. The “way” is considered not only as the road the person walks along covering big distances but as life in general that is associated with its ups and downs as well as with overcoming difficulties along the way. The idea emphasizes the importance of the “way” in people’s lives and culture, and specifically in Irish culture.