Conceptual core of military discourse based on interviews with participants of the special military operation

Aim. The article aims to study the conceptual core of military discourse based on interviews with participants of the special military operation. Methodology. The study employs methods of conceptual metaphor analysis and critical discourse analysis, utilizing corpus analysis to identify key concepts forming the semantic foundation of military discourse. Results. The research demonstrates that the conceptual core of the special military operation discourse is structured around key concepts such as WAR, LIFE, FEAR, HEROISM, and HOMELAND. These concepts perform cognitive regulatory functions in shaping the participants' perceptions of military actions, allowing them to comprehend and interpret the events of the special military operation. Metaphorical structures such as “WAR is а LIVING BEING”, “LIFE is a TROPHY”, and “FEAR is anINTERNAL ENEMY” play a crucial role in the formation of collective identity and moral resilience. Research implications. The article emphasizes the role of cognitive linguistics in the analysis of military discourse, demonstrating how the metaphorical understanding of fundamental concepts such as WAR, LIFE, FEAR, HEROISM, and HOMELAND shapes the perception of reality among participants of the special military operation. The study highlights how language, as a conceptualization tool, reflects the interaction between institutional norms and personal experiences, endowing the events of the conflict with specific meaning and motivation.