Representation of Precedent Names in Linguistic Consciousness of Germans in Federal Republic of Germany and Russian Germans

This study investigates precedent names as nationally marked linguistic units and cultural symbols. It presents data from a free associative experiment conducted in 2022 with two groups: Germans from the Federal Republic of Germany and Russian Germans. The stimuli for the experiment were the precedent names Stalin and Catherine II. Based on the collected data, an associative field was constructed. Utilizing semantic interpretation methodology, the psychologically salient meanings of these proper names were identified. The inclusion of Russian Germans as participants is justified by their unique dual identity, situated at the intersection of German and Russian mentalities. The experiment revealed significant differences in perceptions of Stalin between the ethnic groups studied. In the linguistic consciousness of Germans from the Federal Republic, the name Stalin is primarily associated with geographical location, national affiliation, or a precedent event. In contrast, the psycholinguistic significance of the name Stalin among Russian Germans carries a distinctly negative connotation and is linked to dramatic historical processes. The precedent name Catherine II exhibits a similar connotative significance across both groups but reveals differences in perceptions regarding the ruler's national identity and her role in the country's history.