COGNITIVE FIELD OF THE CONCEPT “DIAKONIE”: THEOLINGUISTIC ASPECT

Abstract

The article investigates the cognitive field of the concept “Diakonie” from the theolinguistic perspective, which covers its structural-semantic, cognitive and pragmatic characteristics in the German-speaking space. The article presents an analysis of the role of language in the formation and transmission of caritative values, noting that the concept of “Diakonie” is an important element of not only religious but also social discourse. Turning to the theological origins of the concept, attention is drawn to its etymology and historical transformations, starting from the biblical understanding of diaconate as service to the neighbour to its modern use in social institutions. The study is grounded in the works of prominent German scholars who conceptualise diaconia within the ambit of church ministry, social work and language representation. A particular focus is accorded to the cognitive and linguistic dimensions of the analysis, with an emphasis on the employment of corpus-based methodologies to discern the interrelationships between the notion of “Diakonie” and associated terms in the German language. The study reveals that the concept is characterised by a broad spectrum of meanings, ranging from its traditional Christian origins to its contemporary applications in social practices centred on solidarity and assistance to vulnerable groups. A significant finding of the study is the substantiation of the hypothesis that language plays a pivotal role in the formation of caring ideals and their solidification in the public consciousness. A detailed analysis of the texts and discursive practices in which the concept of “Diakonie” is employed facilitates an understanding of its semantic evolution, with particular attention being paid to the gradual expansion of the religious content of the concept, its integration into new social contexts, and the reflection of these developments in modern vocabulary and phraseology. The analysis also examines the impact of social changes and theological interpretations on the transformation of the concept's meanings. The article thus makes a significant contribution to the field by offering a comprehensive understanding of diakonia as an interdisciplinary phenomenon combining theological, social and linguistic dimensions. A review of the theolinguistic aspect allows not only to trace the evolution of the concept in different discourse contexts, but also to identify the mechanisms of its functioning in modern society. Furthermore, the study underscores the instrumental role of language in the formation of socially significant categories, a finding that is of crucial significance for the advancement of research in the domains of religious linguistics and cognitive semantics.