Ethnonyms as a Linguocultural Phenomenon: Comparison of Nominative Models in Indo-European and Turkic Languages

The article is devoted to the comparative analysis of nominative models of ethnonyms in Turkic and Indo-European (Germanic) linguistic traditions. The paper considers universal and specific grounds for the formation of ethnonyms, reflecting the peculiarities of ethnic self-identification, mythological thinking and cultural memory of peoples. Special attention is paid to the study of mythological images and geographical and socio-political factors that influenced the formation of ethnonyms. The study is based on applying comparative-historical, linguocultural and cognitive analysis methods. It is revealed that in both traditions, there are common naming universals, but the specificity of cultural codes determines different strategies of ethnic nomination. The results of the work deepen the understanding of the role of ethnonyms in the construction of ethnic identity and linguistic picture of the world.