Binary oppositions as a way of representing the Slavic culture (in the context of the Russian proverbs)

Abstract

The article deals with the binary oppositions used in Russian proverbs as lingo-cultural phenomenon that reflects the specific (mythological) conceptualization of the world, inherent in Slavic language cultural community. Author underlines the idea that through the oppositions, entrenched national and cultural connotations in Russian proverbs, a relationship between two semiotic systems, i.e. language and culture, is implemented. Based on performed study, author argues that the binary oppositions, reflecting the specific worldview of the native-speaking people in the era of early Christianity, associated with dualistic thinking of Slavic people, are based on religious and ideological opposition of positive and negative connotations, and go back to the general and the main contraposition of "sacred (positive) and mundane (negative)".