Linguocultural Features of the Ethnocultural Concept of “Door” (门) in the Chinese Language and the Ethnocultural Concept of “Shanyraq” in the Kazakh Language

Language is one of the most important means of reflecting the culture and worldview of a people. The national consciousness and way of life of every nation are manifested through linguistic concepts. In Chinese culture, one of the main components of the concept of “home” is the concept of “door” (门), which is considered not only as a material object, but also as a symbol with spiritual and cultural meaning. In Kazakh culture, the concept of the “shanyraq (the central roof ring of the Kazakh yurt)” represents a symbol of family, unity, and the continuity of life. The purpose of this article is to analyze the significance of the concept of the “door” (门) in the Chinese language from an ethnocultural perspective, considering the lifestyle, living environment, beliefs, and worldview of the Chinese people, and to conduct a comparative analysis with the concept of the “shanyraq” in the Kazakh language. For the Chinese people, the concept of the “door” (门) represents not only a material reality but also a  carrier of spiritual culture. As part of the feudal etiquette system, the door possesses specific cultural features characteristic of Chinese tradition. In Chinese cultural tradition, doors are rich in hierarchical and cultural symbolism. The analysis of the linguistic representation of the concept of the “door” (门) from an ethnocultural perspective allows for a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and worldview. In addition, studying the ethnocultural foundations of the concept of the “shanyraq” in the Kazakh language and comparing it with the Chinese concept makes it possible to identify similarities and differences in the cultural characteristics of the two peoples, which determines the significance of this research. The research results show that, due to the long-standing sedentary lifestyle of the Chinese people, the space of the house has historically been associated with ideas of safety and protection. In this context, the “door” acquired special cultural significance as the main passage connecting the external world with the inner space. In Chinese culture, the door is a symbol closely associated with hierarchical systems, traditional etiquette norms, and various rituals and beliefs. In contrast, among the Kazakh people, who historically led a nomadic lifestyle, the “shanyraq” in the structure of the yurt has become an important cultural symbol representing family unity and the continuity of life. The results of the study make it possible to identify similarities and differences in the worldviews of the Chinese and Kazakh peoples. The findings can be used in the training of linguists and translators, as well as in the research work of master’s and doctoral students. 

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