NATIONALLY SPECIFIC METAPHORICAL MODELS OF THE CONCEPTUAL SPHERE “WOMAN” IN RUSSIAN SLANG

Abstract

This article deals with peculiarities of metaphorical modeling of the conceptual sphere “woman” in
Russian slang. The main nationally specific metaphorical models are identified and described, they
represent the image of the woman in the Russian worldview. On the basis of the analysis of metaphorical units related to the conceptual sphere “woman” we use the metaphor to describe the field experience of the person. The analysis leads to the explication of certain specific features: the presence of a high degree of androcentrism, the use of youth slang and the presence of the specific national features of the image of the woman that are absent in the standard language, as well as the metaphorization associated with diminution of human dignity. Due to our analysis we identify the main areas that can be used as the sources of nationally specific metaphorical models in Russian slang: “Tools and accessories”, “Girl’s name”, “World of plants”, “Bad habit”. The nationally specific metaphorical models mentioned above actualize mostly neutral pragmatic meanings for native Russian speakers.