Actualization of the binary opposition СВОЙ / ЧУЖОЙ in English phraseology

The article examines the fundamental binary opposition СВОЙ / ЧУЖОЙ for human consciousness, based on the material of English phraseology. The research is based on the analysis of 104 phraseological units, which makes it possible to identify culturally specific features of the perception of СВОЙ and ЧУЖОЙ in the English linguistic consciousness. The analysis showed that the concept of СВОЙ is structured around the semantic core of SIMILARITY, reflecting the gravitation towards people who are alike. The most frequent lexemes used to actualize the concept of СВОЙ are: own, home, best / better, good, son, mother, husband, wife, indicating the themes of belonging and possession, positive evaluation and superiority, as well as family ties and kinship relations. Importantly, the concept of СВОЙ also includes the idea of protecting and supporting «one’s own», even if they do not possess outstanding qualities. In turn, the concept of ЧУЖОЙ has DANGER as its core, expressing distrust of strangers. The most frequent lexemes for the concept of OTHER are: Other, Abroad, Distance, Foreign, Far away, emphasizing opposition and remoteness. The article also highlights the key oppositions that form the СВОЙ / ЧУЖОЙ dichotomy in the English language. The binomial СВОЙ / ЧУЖОЙ is primarily actualized through the oppositions SIMILAR / DIFFERENT and HOMELAND / FOREIGN LAND, with the oppositions GOOD / BAD, NEAR / FAR, and DANGER / SAFETY being of lesser importance. These results emphasize the significance of social connections, cultural identity, and a sense of security in shaping the concept of СВОЙ, as well as a cautious attitude towards the unfamiliar and «others».