A Comparative Study of Russian and Turkish Folk Measurement Units

H. Chaylak; G. V. Tokarev

doi:10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-4-198-217

A Comparative Study of Russian and Turkish Folk Measurement Units

H. Chaylak, G. V. Tokarev

https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-4-198-217

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Abstract

This article examines the verbal manifestations of the naive worldview, focusing specifically on folk measurement units as represented in the Russian and Turkish linguistic pictures of the world. The study undertakes a comparative analysis of these units through the application of onomasiological and componential methods, complemented by linguocultural interpretation. The term folk measurement unit is understood as a linguocultural construct employed in the parameterization of reality. It is argued that such units are inherently anthropocentric, reflecting human-centered perspectives. In contrast to standardized scientific measures, folk measurements often exhibit deviations from established norms and standards. It is noted that, alongside denotative features, these units may also carry evaluative and emotive connotations. The research establishes that the prototypical foundations of folk measures are rooted in figurative imagery. Findings indicate a general correspondence between the measurement symbolaries of Russian and Turkish linguocultures. The principal images utilized for expressing measurement include speck, crumb, drop, needle, hair, hand, eye, and gold. It is revealed that the Russian linguistic culture demonstrates a richer inventory of such units. Naïve cognition employs similar strategies for conceptualizing and categorizing measures: reproductive, contemplative, analytical, intensifying tactics, as well as tactics of exteriorization or interiorization. In Turkish linguoculture, a tendency towards the standardization of acoustic imagery is observed. The study concludes that the specificity of parameterization is expressed through the selection of measurement standards and their cultural interpretation, which is shaped by the respective cultural continuum.

Keywords

linguoculturology, linguistic naive worldview, folk measurement units, Russian linguistic culture, Turkish linguistic culture

About the Authors

H. Chaylak

Karadeniz Technical University
Turkey

Hanife Chaylak – Doctor of Philology, Associate Professor

Trabzon

G. V. Tokarev

Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University
Russian Federation

Grigory V.Tokarev – Doctor of Philology, Professor

Tula

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Review

For citations:

Chaylak H., Tokarev G.V. A Comparative Study of Russian and Turkish Folk Measurement Units. Nauchnyi dialog. 2026;15(4):198-217. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24224/2227-1295-2026-15-4-198-217

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