LINGUISTIC AND CULTURAL REPRESENTATION OF THE CONCEPT OF PRAYER IN ENGLISH

Аннотация

In this article, the linguistic features of the term prayer are highlighted, and the importance of this term in modern linguistic studies is explained. The following article analyzes the linguistic and cultural features of the expression of the concept of prayer and methodologies for linguocultural analysis in English. Key words. Linguo-culturology, concept, religious terms, prayer concept, linguocultural peculiarities, methodologies. Historical and Religious Context of Prayer in English-speaking Cultures The foundations of prayer in English-speaking cultures are deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions. These early influences provided models that continue to shape the linguistic and cultural expressions of prayer in these societies. Biblical texts, such as the Psalms and the Lord’s Prayer, serve as archetypes, offering structured formats that have become characteristic of Christian prayer practices. A typical structure includes an invocation, where God’s presence and authority are acknowledged, followed by supplication, where specific requests or pleas are made, and a closing acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, often articulated through phrases like “Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.” Themes of reverence and repentance are central to these early prayers. Biblical prayers frequently emphasize humility before God, showcasing human dependence on divine guidance and mercy. For example, the Psalms contain numerous expressions of praise for God’s majesty, coupled with pleas for forgiveness and guidance, reflecting a dynamic of human frailty and divine omnipotence. This focus on reverence continues to influence the tone and content of prayer in modern English- speaking cultures. The use of liturgical language has also played a significant role in shaping the practice of prayer. Formal and ritualized expressions were common in early Christian worship, with elevated diction and poetic phrasing creating a sense of solemnity. Repetition of key phrases, such as “Amen” or “Hallelujah,” reinforced the communal 138 International scientific journal “Interpretation and researches” Volume 1 issue 5 (51) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2 aspect of worship while fostering spiritual focus. Prayers were often drawn directly from scripture, ensuring consistency between personal devotion and religious texts, a tradition that has been carried into contemporary practices. These Judeo-Christian roots provided a foundation for the linguistic and cultural frameworks of prayer, embedding patterns of structure, themes of humility, and formalized language that continue to define how prayer is expressed in English- speaking societies today. To comprehensively analyze the concept of "duo" (prayer) within the framework of linguocultural theory and cross-cultural pragmatics, it is essential to define the foundational terms: duo, linguoculture, cultural values, and prayer. Duo refers to the act of communicating with a higher power, often through verbal expressions, to seek blessings, guidance, or forgiveness. It is deeply tied to religious and cultural traditions and can vary in formality, language, and intent based on the cultural and linguistic context. Linguistic Features of Prayers in English Prayers in English are deeply rooted in Christian traditions and exhibit a rich tapestry of linguistic features that reflect centuries of religious and cultural development. At their core, English prayers often follow a structured framework that conveys both reverence and clarity. This structure, inherited from biblical texts such as the Lord’s Prayer, begins with an invocation that acknowledges the divine, continues with supplication, and concludes with an acknowledgment of God’s authority. For example, the phrase “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name” serves as an invocation, while the subsequent requests, such as “Give us this day our daily bread,” embody supplication. The prayer concludes with the doxology, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever,” affirming God’s supreme power and eternal presence. A hallmark of English prayers is their formal and respectful tone, which is achieved through various linguistic strategies. Honorifics, such as “Heavenly Father,” “Almighty Lord,” or “King of Kings,” establish a tone of reverence. The use of modal verbs like “may,” “shall,” and “might” softens requests, reflecting humility and politeness. For instance, the phrase “May Thy will be done” not only expresses submission to divine authority but also emphasizes deference and respect. Traditional prayers often incorporate archaic language, such as “thou,” “thy,” and “thine,” which hark back to older forms of English. This linguistic archaism reinforces a sense of timelessness and continuity, connecting contemporary worshippers to historical prayer traditions. Repetition and parallelism are prevalent in English prayers and serve both rhetorical and mnemonic purposes. Repeated phrases, such as “