GASTRONOMIC DISCOURSE OF THE KOREAN SHORT PROSE OF 21st CENTURY.

Abstract

Background.  The article is devoted to the study of the gastronomic discourse of modern Korean prose. The purpose of the work is to reveal the role and functions of the use of gastronomic images in literary texts, their semantic load and plot-building potential and emotional impact on the reader.

Methods The article uses semiotic analysis, because certain products or dishes serve as signs or symbols that reflect various socio-cultural, emotional or moral aspects in the work. Also, the linguistic method allows analyzing the lexical and syntactic features of texts to understand how authors create images of food and associations with its consumption.

Results.  As a result of the research, the aesthetic potential of gastronomic discourse in modern Korean literature was revealed; its significant potential in the construction of the text, the disclosure of the ideological plan was revealed; analyzed gastro-images in view of their role in revealing the cultural identification of the heroes using the example of the stories of Kim Eran and Kim Yongha.

Conclusions.  Gastronomic symbols and images in the analyzed works identify the characters and mentality of the heroes through food preferences, the concept of cooking and consumption, convey their emotional states, contribute to the reconstruction of the characters' memories, and act as an indicator of self-identification. Through the prism of food, the relationships of the main characters within the family and society are highlighted, because the writers in the stories record the changes taking place in Korean society. We have found that in modern works of Korean short prose, gastronomic discourse serves as a bridge for social interactions and strengthens ties between characters, emphasizing the social norms and values of society. In addition, food in the short stories is used as a symbol that reflects the cultural identity of the characters and their connection with traditions, or, on the contrary, emphasizes the loss of this connection.