THE CONCEPT OF “HAPPINESS” IN THE CONCEPTUAL SPHERE OF THE RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES

Abstract

The article examines the specifics of representation of the concept of “happiness” in Russian and English. It is noted that in modern linguistic research, there is a greater interest in a person in language, that is, language is the most optimal and comprehensive tool that can help to integrate into the national specifics of the vision of the world. The study of linguistic and cultural concepts that express positive human emotions, in this case the concept of “happiness” in Russian and English, will reveal the specific features and similarities in the nature of thinking of speakers of these two languages. The Russian mentality is characterized by a high ethical burden of the concept of “happiness.” The comparative analysis has established that for Russian phraseology and paremiology, such components as “wings,” “seven,” “mind,” “the rooster that rushes” are of priority in expressing the concept of “happiness.” For the English paremiological and phraseological picture of the world, the main indicators of this concept are “top,” “soft bed,” “cozy house and garden.” Both languages show norms, behavioral rules and their obvious influence on the understanding of the world by native speakers of these two languages. Through stable expressions, the spirituality of their bearers is revealed, for whom the meaning of life is to be smart, hardworking and contented.