Бакалаврські роботи | Bachelor theses

This Bachelor’s thesis explores ethnic component in English idioms in modern online discourse. The negative connotations in idioms carrying stereotypical ideas of ethnic groups are outlined and analyzed using quantitative analysis of data collected from social platform X. Chapter 1 contains the overview of linguistic publications on the definition of an idiom, particular classifications of idioms which set the foundation of the research of idioms with an ethnic component. It also considers studies on social and communicative functions of idioms such as the links between idiom and culture and the use of ethnonyms in national stereotypes. Chapter 2 is devoted to the analysis of the compiled corpus of idioms with an ethnic component. The study first focuses on the thematic categorization of idioms, based on the specific areas of life or culture these idioms refer to, as determined by their components. This method allows for a structured analysis of how different nationalities are viewed across various cultural and social domains and what stereotypical ideas are spread through idiomatic expressions. Secondly, the axiological aspect of idioms is considered, defining the positive, negative, or neutral connotations embedded in idioms of each ethnic group. This consideration of connotative meaning provides an opportunity to separate out idioms with negative connotations and offensive stereotypes, enabling further study of their use in modern online discourse. This leads to the third aspect of the study: a comprehensive analysis of the use of idioms with negative connotations in posts on platform X. The research highlights the popularity of these idiomatic expressions among modern generations. Though most of the stereotypes originate in the past, they have been preserved through idioms for many generations. The findings provide valuable information on how modern generations use these idioms in online discourse and how the meaning of the idioms has developed. This research emphasizes the need for linguists to further study idioms with ethnic components to understand the appropriateness of their use and to address the negative stereotypical ideas that persist in communication on online platforms with a broad audience from different ethnic backgrounds. The study provides valuable insights into the use of ethnic components in idioms within online discourse and can serve as a basis for examining these idiomatic expressions in other discourses and spheres of communication.