Comparative Analysis of Food Semiotics and Naming Strategies in Russian and Chinese Linguistic Cultures

This article is devoted to the issues of semiotics of food names and naming strategies in the aspect of comparing their implementation in Russian and Chinese linguistic cultures. In the cultural codes of Russia and China, food occupies an important place; symbolism and semiotics of gastronomic signs are expressed with the help of linguistic means. This significance is deeply rooted in the language, which is reflected in extensive layers of phraseology (proverbs, sayings, idioms), rituals and everyday practices. Food acts not only as a biological necessity, but also as a complex semiotic sign carrying symbolic meanings (good wishes, status, seasonality, cultural identity, etc.). The aim of the work is a multi-faceted analysis of how exactly the symbolism and semiotic richness of gastronomic phenomena are verbalized in language, specifically in naming strategies. The article attempts to analyze the features of the semiotics of food products and dishes in Russia and China, and to study the strategies of non-commercial and commercial food naming. The authors show that, in general, food naming strategies in Russian and Chinese linguacultures are similar, which is due to the basic nature of the food sphere. A distinctive feature is that the naming of food products and dishes in Chinese linguaculture is more figurative, symbolic and poetic, while in Russian linguaculture it is direct and descriptive. Also, in Chinese linguaculture, the naming strategy based on the principle or technology of cooking a dish is rarely used, which is due to the linguistic features of the verb in the Chinese language. Thus, the article demonstrates how deep cultural codes associated with the semiotics of food find their specific reflection in linguistic naming strategies, revealing both universal and unique features of Russian and Chinese linguacultures in this significant area of human activity.