Thematic analysis and polysemy in Dîvânü Lugâti't-Türk

Thematic studies are studies prepared around a specific subject and theme. Firstly, in these studies, the main headings are determined and the related words are placed under them. Then, sub-titles are added under these titles in line with the variety of vocabulary; thus the thematic vocabulary study is completed. The difference of thematic studies from indices is that the entries which are contained in the main and sub-headings are given together with their meanings. It does not matter whether these studies are alphabetical or not; the important thing is the examination of the vocabulary all together, which is in the same theme frame. What is more, in thematic studies, words may belong to a single theme, however also these words may be seen under more than one theme. This is an indication that words have various side meanings. Side meanings are formed by sticking to the basic meaning (in any way) with the relevance interest, but on the other hand, stripping from this meaning. Therefore, the word takes on a different meaning and now expresses another phenomenon. In this study, the words in Divanü Lugati't-Türk will be examined under various themes. By determining the basic meanings of these words and the polysemy created by the side meanings that are gained; the richness of the vocabulary of the Karakhanid period will be revealed. The structure of the 11th century Turkish society and elements of daily life will be revealed based on this vocabulary. Keywords: Polysemy, Divanü Lugati't-Türk, Karakhanid Period, Kaşgarlı Mahmut, Thematic Analysis, Turkic Language