Lexical-Semantic Field of Loci in Modern Ukrainian Literary Language.

Abstract

The thesis is devoted to the study of the loci lexical-semantic structure in modern Ukrainian literary language. First, the paper outlines existing scholarly approaches to the space semantics study and concentrates on the terminology used when identifying and classifying the loci. The research offers the term “locus” for the place and space names, clarifying and developing profoundly its linguistic definition which is based on the concept scrutinized properties, phenomena, and vocabulary which represent them. Also, considering the lack of a single approach to the identification and classification of the space nominations characteristics in modern linguistics, the paper carries out the analysis and develops unique identification and differential loci parameters which underlie the concept, i.e. a fundamental division of the lexical units semantics into two major groups “real space” and “virtual space”.

The loci lexical-semantic structure in modern Ukrainian literary language is studied applying the method of lexical-semantic field (hereafter LSF) alongside with the descriptive method, supported by the continuous sampling method, the elements of the componential analysis method, and quantitative calculations. The application of the above methods allows to develop a comprehensive stratification of the LSF under discussion, i.e. microfields “Virtual Space”, “Media Space”, “Generalized Name of Space”, multiple levels of the microfield “Universum”, some levels of the “Terraspace” microfield (e.g. LSMG-I “Platform”, LSMG-II “Unit of the Territory Division”, “Territory-Building Complex”, places nominations, etc.) or less-studied segments such as some levels of the microfield “Terraspace”, “Universum”, “Media Space”. In addition, the research revises and specifies some well-known classifications and creates the algorithm for the lexical-semantic paradigm description, including the identification of lexical-semantic paradigmatic relations, the principal semes characteristic of various vocabulary groups, nucleus and periphery zones, identifying intrastructural overlapping zones within the paradigm sub-levels. As a result, the thesis compiles a thematic loci dictionary (including over 9,000 words) where the features are presented in the form of frameworks with quantitative characteristics and correlations on different vocabulary levels, thus forming the loci LSF in modern Ukrainian literary language (graphically represented in the form of radial diagrams).

The main criterion for the nucleus or periphery evaluation and the establishment of the loci LSF boundaries is the degree of spatial semantics explication in the units’ lexical meaning structure. According to the approach adopted, the following elements are singled out: a) the LSF nucleus (the vocabulary is more abstract representing common types of space in the Ukrainian mentality), b) the diffuse zone (the vocabulary demonstrates signs of both nucleus and periphery), c) the loci LSP periphery (space semantics is expressed more implicitly, but not to the degree allowing to deny the spatial status of the object referred). Notably, the LSF marginal areas are much less 

structurally developed and quantitatively less represented than those elements of the lexical-semantic paradigm which belong to the nucleus. The nucleus and periphery are identified at all sub-levels of the loci LSF in modern Ukrainian literary language, thus creating a systematic structure of each lexical-semantic group within a larger macrostructure.

The nucleus of the loci LSF in modern Ukrainian literary language comprises two microfields: “Generalized Name of Space” and “Terraspace”. The non-nuclear zone contains three microfields: “Universum” (diffusion zone), “Media Space”, “Virtual Space”, a group of unidentified vocabulary (periphery). Microfields vary in their degree from the center to the periphery in their lexical-semantic structure and their internal organization is characterized by a number of peculiarities. In some loci groups, the nucleus is represented by the whole series of words, and in other ones only by several nominations or by the principal seme. Loci with generalized semantics are especially characteristic of not only microfield “Generalized Name of Space”, but also of LSG “Territory” (microfield “Terraspace”). Within the microfields semantics, the division of space according to its main characteristics is outlined.

The paper is based on the complex analysis of the loci lexical-semantic structure in modern Ukrainian literary language which allows to arrive at certain conclusions. Firstly, the analysis reveals complex and uneven stratification of the place and space nominations on all sub-levels, which in their turn are the subject for further subdivision; secondly, it is established that the paradigm sub-levels are characterized by uneven quantitative representation; thirdly, each sub-level has its own main semantic features which determine the internal stratification architectonics within each loci group with the content gradation; finally, the lexical-semantic structure of each loci group is characterized by individual dominants in relation to the semantic paradigmatic relations which organize it. On the basis of these relations, the principal semes within each nomination group are identified which not only represent the word lexical meaning within each lexical-semantic paradigm but also function as focal points when structuring the loci groups. This allows to build the semantic features hierarchy within each nomination group. Eventually, the thesis established the causes of these phenomena. Moreover, it is found that some loci groups can form paradigmatic semantic interrelations. The stratification of the loci LSF on structural levels in accordance with various degrees of complexity and the units’ semantics gradation reveals the systemic organization of the lexical-semantic paradigm under discussion.

The analysis of the loci paradigm structural organization peculiarities in modern Ukrainian literary language reveals the important role of the language lexical-semantic system, thus opening another perspective for the contemporary Ukrainian literary language, i.e. a semasiological one.