The influence of the mountainous environment on the linguistic conceptualization of “intelligence”

This article explores the influence of the mountainous environment on the linguistic conceptualization of "intelligence" in English and Kyrgyz language systems. A comparative analysis is conducted to identify specific cultural and geographical factors that shape the understanding of intelligence in these languages. The study reveals that the mountainous environment fosters unique metaphors and associations related to the concept of intelligence, reflecting adaptation to living conditions and the cultural values of mountainous regions. In English, the conceptualization of intelligence is more abstract and related to general notions of mental ability, while in Kyrgyz, there is a strong connection to natural elements and traditional perceptions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural and geographical influences on the linguistic conceptualization of key concepts.