A Comparative Study of Kazakh and English Cosmonyms: Linguistic, Cultural, and Epistemological Insights

2025

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DOI 10.30564/fls.v7i10.11198
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

This article presents a comparative analysis of cosmonyms in the Kazakh and English languages, focusing on the linguistic, cultural, and cosmological frameworks that inform the naming of celestial bodies. Drawing from a wide range of linguistic and cultural sources, the study illustrates how celestial terms—such as the Crowning Stars—encode distinct cosmological worldviews, spiritual beliefs, and historical contexts. The analysis is structured around the formation processes of cosmonyms: in Kazakh, where compounding is a dominant mechanism, and in English, where naming practices are shaped by Latin and Greek etymology, scientific rationalism, and mythological heritage. While English celestial nomenclature has largely become standardized internationally, Kazakh cosmonyms reflect a dynamic interplay of traditional knowledge, Soviet linguistic influence, and contemporary efforts to revive and preserve cultural identity. The findings demonstrate both the universality of humanity's fascination with the cosmos and the uniqueness of local traditions in articulating that fascination. By examining the convergence of scientific and cultural perspectives, the study emphasizes how cosmonyms serve as bridges between rational knowledge and symbolic imagination. Through this comparison, the article highlights the critical importance of recognizing cultural diversity in celestial naming practices and advocates for inclusive, multilingual approaches to space exploration. This research contributes to the fields of linguistic anthropology and cosmology, offering deeper insights into how language and culture mediate humanity's conceptualization of space. It also lays a foundation for further interdisciplinary exploration at the intersection of language, mythology, and science.