Abstract
The family can be studied as an ethnic phenomenon, as a constant interaction of family members inevitably affected by ethnic norms and behavioral patterns. The purpose of the article was to determine the ethnic and cultural features in the concept of family life in the Western European, Russian and Kazakh mentality. Cross-cultural analysis that supplemented by component and contextual methods was carried out on a material of English and French texts of wishes (as an example of Western European world view), Kazakh wishes, Russian wedding wishes. Presentation of early family life as a new way was turned out universal. However, understanding of family life in terms of the way gives the same epistemic characteristics to stereotypical ideas about the family which has the concept of WAY in the corresponding culture. In English and French world views family life is an exciting adventure of the two partners where they feel comfortable and interesting. In the Russian mentality family life is a tough road of two opposing personalities. In Kazakh culture family life is a continuation of a long journey of each of a newly wedded couple.