Komilova Nilufar Abdilkadimovna

Cognitive linguistics, gender in language, grammatical gender, gender-neutral languages, conceptual categorization, linguistic relativity, metaphorical associations, cross- linguistic analysis.

Abstract. Gender as a linguistic category operates not only as a grammatical marker but also as a cognitive framework that shapes human perception, categorization, and cultural discourse. The interaction between linguistic structures and conceptual thought has been widely examined within cognitive linguistics, yet the specific role of gender systems in influencing mental representations remains an active area of inquiry. This paper adopts a comparative qualitative approach to investigate cognitive aspects of the gender concept in languages, focusing on grammatical gender (Russian, German, Spanish), natural gender (English), and gender-neutral systems (Turkish, Finnish). Drawing on descriptive grammars, corpus analysis, and previous psycholinguistic studies, the research identifies cross-linguistic patterns in gender-based categorization, metaphorical extension, and stereotype reinforcement. Findings indicate that even in gender-neutral languages, cultural discourse maintains gendered conceptual schemas, suggesting that linguistic reform must address both structural and cultural levels to effect cognitive change. The study contributes to the broader discussion of linguistic relativity by highlighting how grammatical categories interact with societal norms to influence thought.

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