Verbalisation of class gestalt images on the materials of Old German literary monuments

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the article is to study and analyse literary devices, used in Old German literature for the expression of class gestalt images. Methods. Methods of linguistic analysis, and comparative and historical-cultural analysis were used in the study. Means of descriptive statistics, Pearson’s criterion and Mann — Whitney U-test were used. The use of Cronbach's alpha ensured the verification of the reliability of instruments and methods. Results. The conducted analysis of the comparison of three Old German literary monuments confirmed that there are no significant differences between “Nibelungenlied” and “Beowulf”, which indicates the similarity in their structure and style. However, “Nibelungenlied” differs from “Edda” which certifies significant differences between these works. “Beowulf” also demonstrates significant differences with “Edda”. These results also underline significant similarities between “Nibelungenlied” and “Beowulf”, which are epic poems, and with “Edda”, which is a collection of poems. Conclusion. The study has found that class gestalt images reflect not only images of characters and scenes but also translate features and aspects of collective world perception by Old German Society. The received results expand understanding of linguistic and stylistic peculiarities of Old German literature. Perspectives. Further studies should focus on the expression of gestalt images in modern German literature.