ASSOCIATIVE EXPERIMENT IN THE STUDY OF THE SOCIOLINGUAL FEATURES OF THE CONCEPT OF ARROGANCE

Abstract

In the article, an associative experiment is considered as a method of research of sociolinguistic features of the concept of ARROGANCE. The types of associative experiments and ways of their application in linguistic studies are determined. The application of a free associative experiment in the study of the concept of ARROGANCE in the British picture of the world is described. The reactions received to the stimulus word arrogance has been interpreted by quantitative and qualitative parameters. The negative perception of the concept of ARROGANCE by the representatives of British linguistic culture has been established. The quantitative interpretation of experimental results demonstrates that only five reactions can be considered as stereotyped. The rest of the responses are individual and based on the personal experience of the respondents. The variety of reactions to the stimulus word arrogance proves the complexity of the concept of ARROGANCE and the dependence of its interpretation on social and psychological factors. Syntagmatic and paradigmatic associations are systematized in the article. The associative field of the concept of ARROGANCE has been constructed. It is considered as a fragment of the British picture of the world, reflected in the mind of the culture representatives, their motives, values and cultural stereotypes. Within the structure of the associative field, the main semantic groups of lexemes are revealed and analyzed, disclosing the essence of the concept. Based on the results of the experiment, the emotional and evaluative features of the phenomenon under investigation are established. Specific cultural stereotypes are observed. The concept of ARROGANCE is mainly associated with pride and selfishness, as well as a feeling of one’s own intellectual superiority or having a high social status. External manifestations of arrogance are rudeness, insults, humiliation of others, as well as self-righteousness. The analysis of the sociolinguistic features of the concept of ARROGANCE with the application of an associative experiment allows to establish the key features of the concept in the British picture of the world and outline the prospects for its further investigation.