The semantics of simile components in oral speech of Don Cossacks

The article studies the simile as a language means, which has specific lexical structure. The author defines the leading role of simile object in the image reflection of reality, classifies the units on the basis of abstract and specifying semantics, reveals the high frequency of chremato-morphic similes in the speech of Don Cossacs which are connected with the notions of rural mode of life. The author also defines the thematic originality of the image simile object; its content often reflects the characteristics of a person. Some key ways of representing the comparison basis are fixed, which allow to correlate the object with the image created in the mind of speaker and to specify behavior, appearance of someone or something by estimative feature. The author makes conclusion that the lexical content of simile components reflects life priorities and the system of values of Don Cossacks. The article also reflects phraseological and individual usage of words, associated with particular attitude of a person to the world, the specificity of the relations between individuals in the language environment and the desire of a person to realize their potential.