Continuity of ethno-sign systems in the culture of the Great Steppe with the traditional Kazakh worldview

Abstract

The article is devoted to the meaning and function of ethno-sign systems in the phenomenon of the Great Steppe culture, and their continuity in the traditional worldview of the Kazakhs. The article analyzes the theoretical aspects of semiotic systems, which include ethno-sign systems, the phenomena of the Great Steppe culture. Various concepts of researchers about semiotics and ethno-symbolic functions of culture, and their place and role in the formation of the people’s worldview are analyzed. The author of the article examines the issues of the study of the topic and their importance in ethnographic research. To identify in the continuity of ethno-sign systems of culture with a traditional worldview, the religious semiotic ethno-sign systems are presented: a mythological-religious picture of the world, i.e. knowledge about God (Tengri,), man, society, world; about the principles of moral life; rituals with their semiotic variety and pervasive influence on the forms of everyday life. The nomads considered the only creator of the Tengri, subsequently Tengri and Allah became synonyms among the Kazakhs. The author in the article also used the method of comparative analysis to reveal the continuity of ancient cultures with the traditional cultures of the Kazakh people. Key words: semiotics, ethno-sign systems, the Great Steppe, traditional worldview, culture, continuity of Kazakh culture.