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Linguistics & Polyglot Studies

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Vol 17, No 1 (2019)
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LINGUISTICS AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

5-12 758
Abstract

Te article is focused on the study of terminological blends (TB). Blending is viewed as one of the term-building models, different from other similar methods of the word formation (compounding and abbreviation). Te reasons of the new terminological blends formation in the language are elucidated. Special attention is paid to the analysis of TB structural and semantic features, and there is put forward the typology based of morphological, semantic and phonological criteria. Te study reveals that the most frequent type of terms under consideration is constructed according to the following model: partial TB formed as a result of blending with clipping of the frst term and the second term retained entirely, without phonological overlap, in which the second component semantically dominates. In conclusion the authors analyse difculties that occur when TB content is transmitted to the Russian language and discuss the main methods of TB translation: transcription or transliteration, calque, adequate substitution, descriptive translation. Te article may be of scientifc interest for linguists who specialise in terminology, word formation and translation studies, as well as of practical interest for translation teachers.

13-18 800
Abstract

Today the attention of Russian and foreign researchers shifed to the area of sub-standard lexical fund, the study of its features and characteristics, semantics and etymology. Among the thematic layers of sub-standard vocabulary, the lexical group of “terms of kinship” is of paramount importance because of its ancient etymology, greater stability and generality. In the article the linguistic concept of “kinship terms” is specifed, and the existing approaches to their classifcation are provided. In addition, method of comparative analysis allows us to compare the semantic felds of terms of blood kinship in English and Russian. Тhe study presents the analysis of lexicographical sources of the substandard vocabulary of the English language aiming at determining kinship terms, including the composition of phrases, manifesting uncodifed meanings, i.e. meanings that are outside of their literary terminological feld. Te method of continuous sampling was used to achieve this goal. It was concluded that most terms of blood kinship have non-literary meanings in the English language.

19-25 790
Abstract

Te article is focused on the most effective lexical ways that serve to create evaluation in the news and comments of the electronic German press. Pragmatic adequacy, which is determined by the interaction of the evaluation component and content, specifes the requirement for the effectiveness and efciency of communication between the recipient and the target audience. Te article describes the examples of metaphors expressing implicit evaluation in the texts of publicistic discourse. Conceptual metaphor is effectively used in newspapers with pragmatic purposes, aiming at transforming the worldview of the addressee. Vivid images created by evaluative metaphors exert a psychological affect on the mind; impose a distorted idea of reality, not coinciding with the one of the recipient, which ultimately leads to the information perceived at a desired angle. Te article analyzes the metaphorical meanings of military, medical and theatrical terms, emphasizes their ability to express the implicit evaluative judgments of the addressee and influence public opinion. Successful political metaphor has argumentative and heuristic potential; it forms the attitude to reality in question.

26-34 983
Abstract

Te process of thinking and the process of cognition inevitably include metaphorization as one of the ways of conceptualization of the reality, when new and unknown things are thought through categories of already known. Metaphor as a mental operation based on analogy, represents a universal category of thinking. Nevertheless, metaphors are part of a national cultural worldview. Te stability of the metaphorical system due to cognitive constants does not exclude the variability of metaphorical models that depend on social, national-cultural, historical and other parameters of the discursive context. Te key principle of metaphor is the principle of fctitiousness - als ob - as if: one area of knowledge borrows the concept from another area. Cognitive properties of metaphors allow not only to name, but also to model the reality; therefore in media discourse the functional load of the metaphorical nominations is very high. Scientifc and technological progress and the speed that operates social, economic and political transformations of the surrounding reality leads to inevitable creation of metaphors for naming new concepts and realities of our life. In the article, metaphor as a special cognitive model and a way of modeling the reality is investigated from the point of view of cognitive and communicative approaches, on the example of the materials of the Spanish media discourse.

35-48 1200
Abstract

Tis paper uses corpus data in an attempt at a combined description of three concessive connectors in contemporary Japanese - (sore)demo; nimokakawarazu; noni. Concessives are interpreted as markers of a contradiction to expectations arising out of an interfering counterforce – thus, cancelling a presupposed “normal consequence of events”. Te three markers, viewed in the specifc paradigm characteristic of the Japanese connectors, are analyzed in respect to their semantic and discourse functions. Tese signal procedural meanings relevant to the construal of the contradicting situations or states of affairs, parameters of the communicative situation. Te main thrust of the present work lies in the application of Russian-based methods of linguistic analysis to the Japanese material. In this way we are able to pick some (presumably universal) pragmasemantic features for discursive connectors, including scale of contradiction, involvement of the speaker, assessiveness, and text orientation. In fact, the three connectors appear to portray roughly three distinct linguistic attitudes to a challenge that a discovered contradiction is – mentalist (correct one’s position to fnd a solution), normative (conserve status quo, forestall conflict), and emotional (manipulate, appealing to one’s subjective state).

TRANSLATION STUDIES

49-54 689
Abstract

Te ever-expanding international contacts reveal a great importance of studying and translating various kinds of documents and legal texts. Tis rather complicated process involves a number of problems that a translator needs to overcome. Te problems of legal texts translation are aggravated by the discrepancies between the legal systems of societies with social, cultural, ethnic, religious and other differences underlying them that fnd their reflection in different legal terminology systems. Tis article deals with the problems of Persian-Russian translation of legal texts with cultural and religious specifcs. Recently, Iranian-Russian relations have been developing really actively. In this regard, the translation of legal texts, which include documents of identity, marriage and family relations regulations, inheritance, etc., is of particular relevance. Te Persian-Russian translation of these documents raises many questions and problems due to its cultural and religious nature. Problems are exacerbated by the lack of specialized dictionaries, databases and electronic resources. Tis article presents some ways of solving these problems, as well as practical recommendations on the example of the translation of marriage contracts.

55-62 1109
Abstract

Te article reviews the peculiarities of translation and interpretation of lacunas in the UN discourse and enumerates methods of their elimination in line with the UN discourse restrictions. Te article offers recommendations and practical advice to interpreters and translators. It highlights the connection between lacunas, terms, professionalisms, neologisms and loanwords in the UN discourse. Te article provides a classifcation of UN lacunas and the ways of eliminating them. Te research is conducted within the classical theory of translation. Te paper concludes that the peculiarities of the UN discourse defne the specifc features of UN lacunas and methods of their elimination in translation. Te paper discovers the most widely-spread types of lacunas, the most and the least popular methods of their translation. Te fndings may become the foundation for further research of the UN discourse, text translation problems, as well as studying lacunas in general. Te research may be of use to students, interpreters and translators, and teachers.

LITERATURE AND LINGUOCULTURAL STUDIES

80-88 1474
Abstract

Te article analyzes the influence of the processes of globalization and regionalism on the sociolinguistic situation of minority languages that obtain a special value as the sole and main depositories of the national culture. As national minorities begin to claim their linguistic rights, the international community addresses the problem at all levels: community, national and regional. It examines the linguistic situation in Spain, which is considered one of the European countries that best preserves and promotes regional and minority languages, as well as in Catalonia, where the most intense focus of linguistic tension in the EU is currently observed. As the analysis of the current state of the co-ofcial and minority languages operating in Spanish territory shows, the struggle for languages is won in Spain. Its linguistic policy has been fruitful, but, at the same time, it has produced a series of dangerous consequences for the stability and integrity of the Spanish state itself. What now remains for Spain is to undertake the difcult task of preserving itself. Te progressive weakening of the strong ties that previously held the Spanish state together, the erosion of the concept of the sovereign national state and the delegation of the main public powers to a supranational structure have served to give a strong boost to nationalism and reactivate the Catalan independence movement. Terefore, today the State language policy, which is of special importance, must be highly balanced and guided by long-established national interests.

89-96 800
Abstract

Te article focuses on the foreignisms used in the multicultural novel “Te Book of Khalid” by Ameen Rihani. Foreign words in literature possess certain attractive power as well as produce esthetic and artistic effects. Along with creative force and meaning foreignisms may as well give the reader some notion of the author’s self-identifcation and self-representation as member of the literary intellectual community of Syrian and Lebanese frst emigrants in the frst half of the XX-th century. Te novel in question is characteristic of typical features related to Arab-American literature of that period. Stylistic and literary analysis of foreign words in the book gave the desired self-image of the author as a representative of the Arab community in the USA. Tis image comprises certain philosophical and religious principles, authentic social and cultural features, literary and stylistic uniqueness. Close analysis of foreignisms as a linguistic and stylistic means adds to the overall understanding of the novel including the underlying messages and conceptual implications.

97-107 1161
Abstract

Te article studies symbolic meanings of colors in the Arab on the material of Arabic sacred, literary texts, dictionary editions, and folklore. Tere is considered the place of each element of the color palette in the Arab ethnic picture of the world, which expresses moral and ethical values and worldview of the Arab ethnic group, and the importance and influence of colors on the Arab mentality. Te analysis reveals the similarities and differences in the perception of colors and their symbolic meanings in the Arab and Russian languages. Arabs’ perception of a particular color is based on their fgurative system, in which all the phenomena of the surrounding world appear not in the form of philosophical abstract generalizations, but as a realistic perception of the surrounding reality. Symbolism of their perception is revealed in their practical life, the basis on which national consciousness and national mentality is formed. Color symbolism depends on the place and conditions in which an ethnic group lives. A national picture of the world, however, is not only and not so much a reflection of these conditions, it is a reflection of their moral, ethical and aesthetic conceptualization, fxed in various linguistic forms and transmitted from generation to generation as a moral code allowing people to preserve their national identity.

108-119 1089
Abstract

Te article analyses ciberdemocracy as a new phenomenon that emerged in the Spanish society in the 21st century. Te development of digital technologies and ICT’s (in particular, Internet), which is substantiated by the statistics for the last decade provided by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics and the comparative analysis of data for 2008 and 2016, created new political instruments and means of getting ideas benefcial to certain political groups across to the electorate. Not only do linguists research into this phenomenon but also the Spanish Government. Te article presents characteristic features of ciberdemocracy, gives its defnition on the basis of those provided by Spanish authors and suggests a fgure that illustrates a systemic functioning of ciberdemocracy. Te influence of the new phenomenon on the Spanish language is analysed from the point of view of social and cognitive linguistics: the emergence of NetSpeak, neologisms, the penetration of emotive lexis into messages due to the limited characters number for one message or post in social netwoks or web-sites, as well as new manipulative instruments of journalese discourse to exercise affect on the audience. Te article contains ideas of possible further changes in the Spanish language due to ciberdemocracy.

120-127 3381
Abstract

From a pragmatic point of view, literary text has a specifc nature since the dialogue between the author and the addressees (the readers) is rarely conducted directly. Te writer creates a fctional world, where the characters enter into a dialogue not only with one another, but also, in a more implicit form - with the author and the reader. Te author himself can stand on the position of one of the characters, observing the situation from his point of view. Tis character, therefore, is the possessor of author’s empathy. Tere is a number of linguistic indicators of the narrative acting as markers of the position of the speaker. Among the leading ones are spatial and temporal deictic words, orienting the narration in the coordinates «me-here-now». In this article, on specifc examples taken from the works of the French authors of the XX-XXI centuries, the functioning of deixis reveals the positions of the character, a carrier/possessor of author’s empathy. Te article emphasizes the complexity and variety of the relationships between the author and his fctional character, which are reflected on the linguistic level. Te research is of interest for specialists and future philologists who study linguistic pragmatics, stylistics and analysis of the literary text.

128-133 738
Abstract

Models and rules of behavior, formed in the cultural space of each people, are perceived as ethnic. Te Avar language picture of the world reflects the worldview of ancestors, their experience, wisdom and relation to life and surrounding phenomena in the form of set expressions, which are signifcant for a daily life of the Avars and make their speech more colourful and expressive. Te article deals with the peculiarities of the concept “namus” (“honor”, “dignity”) realization in the Avar phraseological and paremiological picture of the world. Based on the data of dictionaries, associative experiments and the analysis of proverbs and phraseological units, there were revealed and described national cultural components of the paremiological images associated with “honor” and “dignity”. Also, there were analyzed paremias and phraseological units used for qualitative characteristics of a person. It was concluded that «namus» is one of the key concepts of the Avar language picture of the world, which is confrmed by semantic capacity and high derivational potential of the concept, represented by more than 150 lexemes. It was also showed that this concept also realizes the semantics of «duty», «heroism», «duty», «respect», «humanity». Te study helped see possible semantic actualization of the concept as well as its national specifcity.

INNOVATIVE METHODS AND COMPETENCE APPROACH IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES

63-69 1094
Abstract

Te article deals with the specifcs of teaching Russian as a native language in the Russian school and as a non-native language in non-Russian schools. Tis specifcity is determined by the fact that with the same content of the subject “Russian language”, the ways of mastering language units and the formation of speech skills in native and non-native speakers are different. In this regard, the problems of motivational and informative character are considered. Te authors conclude that the assimilation of the second language is accompanied by the assimilation of a new linguistic picture of the world. Te interrelated study of language and culture ultimately contributes to the formation of a bilingual person capable of using the means of Russian and native languages, taking into account the specifcs of national cultures. Te necessity and expediency of the development of various methods of teaching Russian as a native and as a non-native language, as well as the need to create special textbooks of the Russian language for Russian and non-Russian schools are considered. Te authors are convinced that in modern conditions it is necessary to develop nationally oriented textbooks of the Russian language, taking into account the specifcs of the native language of students, especially because in some national republics work in this direction has been conducted for a long time.

70-79 623
Abstract

Tis article analyzes the results of the experimental test that has been conducted at the MGIMO Politics and Governance Department to study and assess the general humanitarian cultural level of undergraduate students. Accepting a broader interpretation for this concept, that is predominant in the contemporary scientifc research, the authors focused on the knowledge component of the general humanitarian culture, understood as a set of concepts about history, geography, literature and art. Internalized knowledge of such kind forms cultural background enabling any dialogue, in our case “teacher – student”. To achieve the set goals, the authors of the study have developed a test – to evaluate the general humanitarian cultural level of freshmen and fourth-year students in compliance with the teachers’ expectations, thereby exposing a deep cultural gap between people of different generations. Te results obtained vividly show that current freshmen meet the expectations of the university professors in terms of general humanitarian knowledge by slightly more than 50% (the average test score is 52.5%), which can signifcantly impede the process of education. A qualitative analysis of the test results suggests that modern students, or millennials, live in a new cultural paradigm, triggered by global changes in our society. To optimize the teacher-student dialogue teachers must recognize the fact of discrepancy in cultural codes, abandon old stereotypes and just systematically work on reflling gaps in the general cultural level of students, which, as the experiment shows, can be successfully achieved by the Baccalaureate program (relative gain of knowledge by the 4th year equals 25%). Te comparison of the results for the two age groups of the tested students led to the conclusion that the cultural-linguistic element of the French language course is quite effective.



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ISSN 2410-2423 (Print)
ISSN 2782-3717 (Online)