An Anthropocentric Approach to Oculesics: Exploring the Social Semiotics of Non-Verbal Interaction in Kyrgyz Historical Prose

Abstract

Human communication is inherently multi-dimensional, yet the anthropocentric significance of eye behavior often remains overshadowed by verbal analysis. This article investigates the functional complexity of oculesics as a non-verbal medium within the social landscape of Tolegen Kasymbekov’s historical narrative, The Broken Sword. By shifting the analytical lens toward an anthropocentric perspective, we examine how "the gaze" operates not merely as a biological reflex, but as a sophisticated social instrument that regulates hierarchy, proximity, and intent. Drawing on the semiotic frameworks of M. Patterson and T. Marazykov, the study identifies the divergent roles of eye behavior in mediating social control and interpersonal intimacy. Through a close reading of pivotal character interactions, we demonstrate that oculesic cues facilitate the "unspoken dialogue" necessary for navigating the rigid socio-political structures of the Kokand Khanate. The findings suggest that in Kyrgyz communicative culture, the gaze functions as a diagnostic tool for psychological states and a primary regulator of social equilibrium. Ultimately, this research posits that an anthropocentric study of non-verbal means provides a more profound understanding of the human condition, bridging the gap between historical veracity and the subjective experience of social interaction.