Sociocultural Commentary in The Land of the Udagans Novel by Ariadna Borisova

The authors of the article examine the role of sociocultural commentary in the first two novels of the Land of the Udagans cycle by Russian writer Ariadna Borisova: “People with Solar Reins” and “The Stars Have Cold Fingers.” Ariadna Borisova is a writer, translator, and journalist from Yakutia, known for her works of various genres for both children and adults. The Land of the Udagans cycle is written in the genre of ethnic fantasy and narrates the distant past of the Sakha people. It is rich in material related to mythology, folklore, and religious motifs. The author herself defines her work as a "novel-olonkho." Sociocultural commentary is essential for revealing the cultural context, helping readers understand the unique aspects of the national culture, mentality, and worldview reflected in Borisova's works, which may be unfamiliar or unclear not only to those from other cultural backgrounds but also may be incomprehensible to the modern reader who is not sufficiently familiar with the history of their people. Analyzing the sociocultural aspects of the novels allows for a deeper appreciation of the text's multilayered nature and its cultural and linguistic worldview. Incorporating sociocultural commentary into the texts enables readers to perceive the work not only as a piece of fiction but also as a cultural phenomenon, broadening its interpretation. This commentary also facilitates a more profound understanding of the text, not only for readers from different cultures but also for contemporary audiences. It serves as a tool that not only explains the text but also makes it accessible and relevant to a wider audience, enhancing its educational and cultural value.