Ethnolinguistic Features of Kazakh Mourning Etiquette and Expressions of Condolence

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Abdygaliyeva N., Smagulova K., Irgatoğlu A., Koilybayeva R., Baymysh L.

Forum for Linguistic Studies, cilt.7, sa.8, ss.1-25, 2025 (Scopus)

Özet

This study presents a comprehensive linguistic analysis of Kazakh speech acts of condolence as a culturallyspecific communicative system reflecting unique perceptions of death, grief, and social solidarity. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining primary field data from 46 participants across four regions of Kazakhstan with analysis of 118 written condolence texts and supplementary ethnographic sources. The methodological foundation integrates speech act theory with Hymes’ ethnography of communication framework, utilizing the SPEAKING model to reveal complex interrelationships between various parameters of condolence communication. Results demonstrate significant variability in linguistic means depending on spatiotemporal context, social characteristics of participants, and communicative goals. The analysis reveals the syncretic nature of Kazakh condolences, combining pre-Islamic beliefs with Islamic traditions. Substantial gender differentiation manifests in greater emotionality of female condolences through rhythmically organized laments (zhoktau) compared to more pragmatic, philosophically-oriented male expressions. The study identifies distinct temporal organization of mourning rituals, creating a distributed system of condolence expressions across key stages: initial grief (first three days), formal commemoration (seventh day), spiritual transition (fortieth day), and memorial completion (anniversary). Social conditioning significantly influences linguistic choice, with elders employing philosophical maxims, religious figures using Quranic formulas, and younger speakers adopting more restrained expressions. The research documents rich lexical diversity including religious formulas (87.2% frequency), grief expressions (75.5%), and posthumous wishes (68.1%). These findings contribute to understanding culturally-determined communicative practices while demonstrating the necessity of culturally-sensitive approaches in speech act analysis.