Original article
https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.26182.144-158
https://elibrary.ru/fhrkze
УДК / UDC 81:81’25:811.511.131
The Linguo-Sensory Representation of Cold in the Udmurt Language: The Problem of Equivalent Translation into Russian
N. V. Kondratieva, O. V. Titova
Udmurt Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Izhevsk, Russian Federation
Abstract
Introduction. The study of the linguistic representation of perceptual cognition of the surrounding reality makes it possible not only to systematise the specific features of expressing this phenomenon, but also to identify both universal and nationally specific characteristics of sensory experience. This creates a theoretical foundation for the development of adequate translation strategies ensuring the accurate rendering of nuances of sensory perception in translation. Despite this, Finno-Ugric linguistics still contains a significant research gap associated with the absence of a systematic description of the linguo-sensory representation of cold perception in the Udmurt language. The aim of the present study is to determine the specific features of the linguistic representation of the concept of “cold” in the Udmurt language from the perspective of linguo-sensory studies and to analyse how these sensory meanings may be conveyed when translated into Russian.
Materials and Methods. The empirical basis of the study comprised lexicographic sources, literary works, and linguistic data extracted from the National Corpus of the Udmurt Language. The research employed a range of methods, including the method of linguistic description involving observation, interpretation, and systematisation of linguistic material; componential analysis aimed at representing the lexical meaning of a word as a set of semantic components (in particular, that of low temperature); the method of continuous sampling; analysis of dictionary definitions; contextual analysis and the lexicographic method; as well as contextual and stylistic analysis.
Results and Discussion. The linguosensorics of cold in the contemporary Udmurt language reflects the corresponding perceptual information associated with both exteroceptive and interoceptive sensations. Depending on this, groups of lexical units participating in the verbalization of the perception and sensation of cold have been identified. The lexeme kez’yt constitutes a universal lexical unit expressing the following semantic meanings: cold; frosty; cool; icy; coldness; frost; coolness; bitter cold, etc. In this regard, when implementing a communicatively equivalent translation strategy from Udmurt into Russian, particular relevance is attached to the presence of fixed expressions, the semantic content of the micro- and macrocontext reflecting the sensory modality of perceiving and experiencing cold, as well as the translator’s perceptual experience.
Conclusion. The conclusions drawn by the authors contribute to the development of translation theory. Prospects for further research are associated with expanding the empirical basis through the analysis of other sensory modalities (such as sound, taste, etc.) in the Udmurt language and other Finno-Ugric languages.
Keywords: the Udmurt language, linguosensory perception of cold, translation activity, translation strategies, linguistic representation of the perceptual mode
Funding: The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 24-78-10041 “Russian-Udmurt Parallel Corpus: Development of Tools and Comparative Research” (2026).
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
For citation: Kondratieva N.V., Titova O.V. The Linguo-Sensory Representation of Cold in the Udmurt Language: The Problem of Equivalent Translation into Russian. Finno–Ugric World. 2026;18(2):144‒158. https://doi.org/10.15507/2076-2577.26182.144-158
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Information about the authors:
Natalia V. Kondratieva, Dr.Sci. (Philol.), Leading Researcher, Udmurt Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (34 T. Baramzina St., Izhevsk 426067, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3632-503X, SPIN-code: 5206-9109, nataljakondratjeva@yandex.ru
Olga V. Titova, Cand.Sci. (Philol.), Senior Researcher, Udmurt Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (34 T. Baramzina St., Izhevsk 426067, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5883-1876, SPIN-code: 3586-6980, ovtitova@rambler.ru
Authors’ contribution:
N. V. Kondratieva – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; preparation and creation of the published work, specifically writing the initial draft (including substantive translation); verification of the reproducibility of the research results within the framework of the objectives of the research.
O. V. Titova – ideas; formulation or evolution of overarching research goals and aims; preparation and creation of the published work by those from the original research group, specifically critical review, commentary or revision.
All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Submitted 23.02.2026; revised 07.04.2026; accepted 14.04.2026.
