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METAPHORICAL PERCEPTION OF FRIEND AND OF ALIEN PERSONS IN INTERPRETATIVE REPERTOIRES OF ADULT PEOPLE

V. D. Alperovich

Abstract

Theoretical framework. The research is based on cognitive approach to metaphors and narratives. It touches on the problem of metaphorical and narrative foundations of phenomena "discrimination" and "hate speech". The objective of this research was comparative analysis of "friend" and "alien" metaphors and narratives about interaction with them reflecting different interpretative repertoires of perception of other person as a "friend" and an "alien". Methods. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used: categorial analysis of metaphors, the analysis of characteristics of representations about Enemy and Friend, narrative analysis of situations about interaction with "friends" and "aliens", and the methods of mathematical statistics (cluster analysis, quartiles, nonparametric test). Results. It has been discovered that different interpretative repertoires of perception of "friends" and "aliens" are connected with various expression level of adopting the discriminatory practices towards others. Four interpretative repertoires of perception of "friends" and "aliens" were analyzed with various "friend" and "alien" metaphors, particularities of narratives about interaction with "friends" and "alien" persons and characteristics of representations about an Enemy and a Friend. We discovered two interpretative repertoires with distinctions of "friends" from "alien" persons and with stabilized attribution of psychosocial features to them. Thus, two interpretative repertoires have been discovered with various features of "friends" and "alien" persons non-stabilized in personal perception depending on interaction with them. In different psychosocial contexts partners of communication become both "friends" and "aliens". Conclusion. The empirical model of interpretative repertoires of perception of "friends" and "aliens" persons has been demonstrated. Theoretical implications. The results of this research can be of use in studies of conflicts and discrimination.

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