SYNCHRONOUS-DIACHRONIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THE BEAUTY CONCEPT IN RUSSIAN AND FRENCH LINGUISTIC CULTURES (BASED ON LEXICOGRAPHIC SOURCES)

Abstract

The article examines the specifics of interpretation of the concept of beauty in Russian and French languages, reflecting the dynamics of semantic changes in the key lexemes красота (beauty) and beauté. As a result of the analysis of Russian and French lexicographic sources of different chronological periods, the expansion and complication of the “beauty” concept is traced, specific objects and phenomena that act as standards for the objectification of this concept are highlighted. The following pattern is established: in early sources, the beauty concept in both Russian and French languages correlated mainly with physical beauty and harmony, in subsequent periods it becomes a reflection of inner (moral and spiritual) perfection. It is determined that in Russian linguistic culture, compared with French, beauty is a complex and multi-layered concept combining external and internal qualities. The conclusion is made about the transformation of the concept at different stages of its historical development. It is noted that certain features of the beauty concept in both linguistic cultures fade out, new ones appear, due to historical, socio-cultural changes, the role of ideals and symbols in a particular culture.