Article

Name: Semantics and functions of Shor similarity markers in the field of comparativity

Authors: Irina V. Shentsova

Institute of Philology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

In the section Linguistics

Abstract:

This paper describes the semantics and etymology of comparative operators in the Shor language compared to other Turkic languages. Shor similarity constructions as structures of equality are referred to as “ungraded constructions,” with two components of such a construction being equal or similar. The characterizing component expressed by a noun and marked by a postpositional unit called “an operator” forms a comparative combination. Shor comparative operators exhibit unique features as markers of similarity.

Comparative combinations characterizing nouns use the syntactic words tӧӧy, chüünüγ, oshqash, sheni, che, an adjective teƞ, and affixes =tiγ, =tiyi as operators. These combinations can be attributes or predicates in a sentence. The semantic function of these operators is mainly “equative,” covering qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The operators tӧӧy, chüünüγ, teƞ denote a high degree of similarity between objects. The operator oshqash denotes the similarity in the appearance and character of objects. The operators sheni and che designate the equal size of objects. These operators, excluding sheni and che, take predicative affixes in the present indicative tense in the predicate position; otherwise, they are used with an auxiliary verb. The affix =tiγ expresses a comparative meaning in metaphors; otherwise, it denotes the possession of some feature. The affix =tiyi is used in the position of a predicate.

Comparative combinations characterizing verbs use the syntactic words chilep (chylap), sheni (shenep, sheninche), and che as operators. These combinations can serve as adverbial modifiers of manner, with their semantic function emphasizing the “similative” identity of the manner of action.

Keywords: Shor language, equality constructions, similarity markers, comparative operator

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