Abstract
The topic of this research is at the intersection of philology, semantics, linguoculturology, comparative historical linguistics and has a rich research history for each of these areas. The study describes the methods and techniques of lexical work with non-equivalent, background and connotative vocabulary that contribute to the formation of linguistic and cultural competence of primary school students when mastering the Belarusian language in conditions of closely related bilingualism. An important thesis is put forward that for the successful assimilation of background vocabulary in the process of mastering a second language, explanations of a linguistic and cultural nature are necessary. Using comparative examples, the author proves that many words acquire symbolic meaning under the influence of the traditional cultural heritage of the native-speaking people.