LEXICO-PHRASEOLOGICAL FIELD “WAR” IN UKRAINIAN AND GERMAN LANGUAGES

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the lexico-phraseological field “war” in Ukrainian and German, with a focus on examining its structure, semantic content, and metaphorical usage in the context of national and cultural differences. The structure of the lexico-phraseological field, composed of core and peripheral zones, is thoroughly explored. The core zone includes lexemes and phraseological units that ensure fundamental semantic stability and reflect the most universal aspects of war. The peripheral zones – near and distant – are characterized by significant thematic variability, as each linguistic unit carries specific emotional connotations and varying degrees of thematic relevance. Particular attention is given to the metaphorical and figurative use of the field’s components, especially phraseological units in the context of war. The fixed language units that emerge from such metaphorical transformations serve as cultural markers embodying the historical, social, and emotional perception of this phenomenon by both nations. The analysis of the components of the lexico-phraseological field “war” also includes their thematic classification, which allows for the identification of various aspects of war as reflected in linguistic constructions. This encompasses descriptions of direct military actions as well as more abstract and emotionally charged expressions related to cultural-historical experiences, national stereotypes, or even metaphorical images that arise in linguistic practices under wartime conditions. Through a comprehensive comparative analysis of the lexico-phraseological field “war” in Ukrainian and German, the article offers an in-depth understanding of how cultural, emotional, and historical aspects of war are reflected in the studied languages, emphasizing the significance of such language units as indicators not only of military realia but also of the social and psychological consequences of this phenomenon.