THE ROLE OF A SYMBOLIC IMAGE IN THE INTERPRETATION OF THE NATIONAL PICTURE OF THE WORLD (BASED ON THE EXAMPLE OF ANALYSIS OF THE IMAGE OF BAMBOO IN CHINESE CULTURE)

This study explores the key symbolic role of bamboo in interpreting the Chinese national worldview by analyzing ancient poetic texts and linguistic means. The aesthetic orientation of these texts facilitates examination of images as cultural and cognitive tools. Using systemic-linguistic and cognitive-metaphorical approaches, the author identifies the main semantic characteristics of this image. Special focus was given to analyzing lexical units, including idioms and proverbs. Three primary symbolic interpretations were identified: bamboo is a symbol of high morality, purity, and harmony. This research significantly enhances our understanding of the cultural and cognitive aspects of the Chinese linguistic worldview.