RELIGIOUS DISCOURSE AS A RESEARCH CONSTRUCT

Аннотация

This article explores the classification and characteristics of discourse in modern linguistics, focusing on the distinctions between personal and institutional discourse and their respective subcategories. Particular attention is given to thematic and culturally specific discourses, including those rooted in religion. Language and religion are examined as interconnected systems of spiritual culture, with religious discourse analyzed through its various dimensions: doctrinal, cultic, and community-oriented. Strategies and functions of religious discourse, as identified by notable scholars, are discussed, including prayer, confession, affirmation, and ritual. Ultimately, thearticle underscores the profound influence of religious discourse on cultural, linguistic, and spiritual dimensions of human existence, highlighting its unique characteristics across different religions and its essential role in shaping thelinguisticand cultural identityof societies. Keywords: Religious discourse, institutional communication, language and religion, sacred texts, spiritual culture, doctrinal discourse, cult discourse, community discourse, linguistic worldview, religious symbols. Introduction: Discourse analysis in linguistics encompasses a wide array of themes and frameworks, reflecting the diversity of human communication and its cultural contexts. A particularly rich area of study is the discourse of linguistic worldviews within specific chronological and cultural frameworks, highlighting how national languages and cultural traditions shape specific forms of discourse. For instance, Germanic languages often serve as a basis for exploring discourses related to war and conflict, while the Russian language is frequently associated with discourses on patience, sacrifice, family, and gender roles. This thematic variety underscores the dynamic nature of discourse, which creates "possible worlds" thatcan range from aclose reflection ofrealitytosignificant distortionsof it. In this context, religious discourse emerges as a unique phenomenon, deeply rooted in the philosophical and anthropological insights of W. von Humboldt. His work underpins the interdisciplinary study of language and religion, laying the foundation for the field of theolinguistics. Humboldt's assertion that language originates in the spiritual sphere aligns with the understanding of religion and language as intertwined categories of spiritual culture. Both function as distinct communication systems and are fundamental to shaping human thought and interaction. The deep ontological connection between language and religion manifests in religious discourse, which reflects human existence, cultural values, and societal structures through thelens oflinguisticconsciousness. Religious discourse operates within institutional frameworks and develops along three primary directions: doctrinal discourse, cult discourse, and community discourse. It serves as a model of strategiccommunication, characterized byits duality: the dialogue between religious authorities and adherents, and the monologue of institutions addressing their followers. Moreover, religious discourse plays a pivotal role in shaping the linguistic worldview and cultural identity ofsocieties, influencing various aspects ofsocial, cultural, andindividual life. This article explores the multifaceted nature of religious discourse, examining its strategies, https://ijmri.de/index.php/jmsi volume 4,issue2,2025 294 functions, and cultural significance. It highlights the distinctive features of religious texts, their role in societal memory, and their contribution to the broader linguistic and cultural landscape. By delving into these aspects, the study underscores the profound impact of religious discourse onhuman communication, cultural identity, andspiritual expression. Literature review: In modern linguistics, it is generally accepted that discourse is divided into two main types: personal (i.e., personality-oriented) and institutional (i.e., status-oriented), while within the status-oriented discourse, business, expert, special, and professional discourses are distinguished [Chekulai, Prokhorova, 2019, p. 22]. In linguistics, it is also customary to talk about the discourse of linguistic pictures of the world in changing chronological frameworks, and about specific (single) discourses characteristic of national languages. For example, it has been noted that, using the material of Germanic languages, it is not uncommon to study discourses related to war and armed conflict, while discourses related to patience, sacrifice, women, and family are studied using the material of the Russian language [Lutai, Prokhorova, 2018, p. 357]. In discoursology, such thematic discourses as song, news, poetry, media discourse, etc. are also distinguished. Linguists agree that discourse always generates a special world, therefore any discourse is “one of the possible worlds” [Stepanov, 1995, pp. 44–45], or, in the words of R. Jack