Article

Name: Adverbs denoting a lack of awareness and control (in the context of goal-setting)

Authors: Irina P. Matkhanova, Tatiana I. Steksova

Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

In the section Linguistics

Abstract:

The paper analyzes the adverbs beskontrol’no (uncontrollably), mashinal’no (automatically), neosoznanno (unconsciously), bestsel’no (purposelessly), and others as a remarkable phenomenon that occupies a unique space between adverbs of manner and adverbs of purpose, encompassing attributes from both groups. Some common characteristics have been identified for the adverbs concerned. All are formed from adjectives, can be combined with intensifiers, focus on the subject of action, perform the duplex function, and may combine with verbs denoting the action under control. However, certain semantic differences and functioning peculiarities allowed distinguishing four subgroups. The adverb beskontrol’no can characterize both the internal subject of control, coinciding with the agent, and the external one. The adverbs of machinality, due to the special state and professionalism of the subject of action, express the absence of constant control over the action. The adverbs denoting the lack of consciousness in the performance of an action demonstrate a shift towards qualitativeness. While retaining the focus on the subject, they identify the lack of a rational way of achieving a result. The adverb bestsel’no mostly implements the semantics of lack of goal attainment, depending on the semantics of a particular verb. Some other specific features of each subgroup have been identified. For example, they can be enlarged by other adverbs (such as reflektorno, bessoznatel’no, instinktivno, and others that are synonymous to those under analysis), with all groups retaining the common considered in this study.

Keywords: Russian language, adverbs, semantics, controllability/uncontrollability, purpose-setting

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