Halyna Kuzenko

This research project investigates the directional asymmetry and transcultural dynamics of English-French-Polish-Ukrainian literary exchange during the 17th and 18th centuries. Situated at the intersection of translation studies, semiotics, and historical philology, the study examines how translating sacred and secular Baroque texts functioned as a "metabolic mechanism" in forming the national picture of the world.

The theoretical framework synthesizes Yuri Lotman’s semiosphere theory with contemporary cognitive linguistics to analyze the "boundary functions" and "explosive processes" inherent in the bilingual literary space. By employing a multidimensional methodology—including linguostylistical analysis and comparative philology—this project seeks to reconstruct the cognitive mapping of key Baroque concepts (such as vanitas, eternity, and divine providence) as they transitioned between Old Polish and Middle Ukrainian linguistic systems.

Preliminary findings suggest that the asymmetrical nature of these exchanges-specifically the dominant influence of sacred text translations-served as a foundational catalyst for distinct theological and philosophical trajectories in both cultures. The expected outcomes include a systematic model for transculturality in translation, a reconstructed archive of neglected Baroque manuscripts, and a corrected historical narrative that highlights the intellectual interdependence of European Baroque. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader digital humanities by providing a scalable framework for investigating translation's role in shaping early modern national identities within the European cultural space.