НЕКОТОРЫЕ ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ВЗГЛЯДЫ НА ОСОБЕННОСТИ И СООТНОШЕНИЕ «КОНЦЕПТА» И «ПОНЯТИЯ» В ЛИНГВОКУЛЬТУРОЛОГИИ

Language functions not only as a communication system but also as a fundamental repository and medium of national culture. It is pivotal in shaping historical consciousness, embodying traditions, and transmitting spiritual values across generations

While earlier linguistic studies often prioritized morphology and syntax, cultural linguistics focuses on a diverse set of phenomena, including phraseology, speech etiquette, metaphors, proverbs, and mythologemes 

This article aims to clarify the specific characteristics, structural components, and precise correlation between "concept" and "notion" through a systematic analysis of existing linguistic scholarship across various traditions.

This study employs a theoretical and analytical methodology based on a systematic review of scholarly literature. The research process was conducted in several stages:

1. Source Selection: A comprehensive range of primary and secondary sources from Russian, Tajik and Western linguistic traditions was selected, focusing on works that explicitly define "concept" and "notion" (e.g., Askoldov, Karasik, Stepanov, Wierzbicka, Matrobiyon).

2. Comparative-Conceptual Analysis: The core methodology involved a detailed comparison of definitions and theoretical positions to identify points of convergence and divergence regarding the structure, content and function of the two terms.

3. Descriptive and Interpretive Synthesis: The properties of "concept" and "notion" were characterized using descriptive linguistics, followed by an interpretive synthesis to propose a coherent theoretical model of their correlation.

4. Etymological and Semantic Analysis: The Latin etymology of conceptus was analyzed to clarify the foundational meaning of "concept", and a semantic analysis contrasted its usage with the more philosophically anchored "notion".

Cultural linguistics, as a contemporary philological discipline, systematically investigates the intricate relationships between language and culture, thereby providing an organized depiction of the linguistic worldview. V.N. Teliya precisely defines cultural linguistics as a component of ethnolinguistics, dedicated to the rigorous study and description of the correspondence between language and culture in their synchronous interaction

1) lexical inventory and textual manifestations;

2) mythological linguistic units such as archetypes, mythologemes, and culturally established rituals and beliefs;

3) the corpus of proverbs and sayings embodying linguistic cultural heritage

3.1. Delineating "concept" and "notion": theoretical perspectives

The distinction between "concept" and "notion" forms a cornerstone of clarity in cultural linguistics. According to N.R. Khushmatov, cultural linguistics specifically addresses the interdependence of cultural particularities in both verbal and non-verbal behavior, which collectively shape the human worldview and comprehension of society, while also serving to refine the identity of its members

Etymologically, the term "concept" derives from the Latin conceptus (from concipere "to take in, conceive"), originally signifying "a representation" or "an idea" originating from an older Latin root meaning "to take or seize". This etymology underscores its generative and formative aspect.

Early modern scholarship on "concept" in Russian linguistics was notably advanced by S.A. Askoldov in "Концепт и слово" (Concept and Word). He defined concept as "a product of imagination that, in the process of thinking, accommodates an indefinite set of homogeneous objects in human consciousness", adding that it substitutes for specific objects or representations

In contrast, V.I. Karasik posits that a "concept is a multi-component semantic formation in which the value, image, and the clear aspect of the notion must be distinguished". He further argues for the appropriateness of using "concept" when the domain is perceived and meaningful within linguistic consciousness and can be expressed by a single word

D.S. Likhachev offered an insightful perspective, proposing that a concept does not merely originate from the meaning of a word but emerges from the interaction between a word's lexical meaning and an individual's personal experience. He contended that "the richer and more extensive a person's experience, the more powerful and robust the concept becomes"

The analysis confirms that a concept arises in consciousness through an iterative cognitive process and prolonged experience, influenced by the dynamic interaction between an individual and their environment. As human knowledge, representations, and experience continuously evolve, concepts correspondingly exhibit characteristics of generation, substitution, and transformation. This aligns with the etymological roots of conceptus, signifying "that which is conceived or produced", inherently implying a dynamic, evolving nature.

3.2. Distinguishing "concept" from "notion": key characteristics

The preceding analysis allows for a clearer differentiation between "concept" and "notion":

1. Generativity vs. Formalization: A primary distinguishing characteristic is the generativity of "concept", which arises from the continuous perception, learning, and extensive experience of the world, shaping an individual's worldview. Conversely, a "notion" (мафҳум) pertains to the formalized semantic content of a verbal sign — a meaning or a set of closely related meanings — that is an outcome of thought (тафаккур), rather than the broader activity of consciousness (шуур). S.Q. Matrobiyon elaborates that "concept" is an interdisciplinary term used in mathematical logic, cultural studies and cognitive/cultural linguistics, while "notion" is a term predominantly associated with philosophy and logic

2. Constancy vs. Mutability: Yu.S. Stepanov argues that a "concept in culture is a constant notion, perpetually or for a long period entwined with culture", describing it as an immutable part of the worldview

3. Scope of Expression: The view that "concept" primarily remains a component of scientific expression and has not fully integrated into everyday communication is contentious. Studies indicate that the use of "concept" is observable in everyday speech communication in Tajik, suggesting its broader linguistic presence beyond just academic discourse.

4. Multifaceted Nature and Cultural Specificity: Tajik linguists, including S. Matrobiyon and M. Mahmudzoda, emphasize that "concept" is multifaceted, which complicates its precise definition and study. They argue that despite "concept" often being translated as "notion" in Tajik linguistics, a true equivalence in meaning, structure, and usage is absent. Scholars like A. Mamadnazarov, Sh. Bobomurodov and Z. Mukhtorov have recognized this non-equivalence, proposing translations for "concept" such as "general meaning", "general idea" and "general notion". They conclude that "the term "notion" cannot be used in Tajik in the position of "concept", highlighting its distinct, broader and more complex nature compared to "notion"

In summary, while "notion" typically refers to the stable, lexicalized meaning of a word as a result of thought, "concept" represents a more dynamic, experientially-derived, and often unlexicalized mental construct that is deeply embedded in culture and individual consciousness. There are, however, instances where their semantic fields may coincide, and some scholars, like A. Askoldov, have viewed "notion" as a type of concept, underscoring the ongoing debate and complexity of their interrelationship. Future research should apply this theoretical framework to the analysis of specific concepts within the Tajik language to further refine these distinctions and contribute to the development of Tajik cultural linguistics.