Article

Name: Images of movement in reduplicates of the Buryat languages

Authors: G. N. Chimitdorzhieva

Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies SB RAS, Ulan-Ude, Russian Federation

In the section Лексикология

Abstract:

The reduplication phenomenon is not a common object of study in Buryat linguistics, nor is the nature of figurative words. However, figurative words in reduplicated form can be found in various languages. This article examines the reduplicated sound-symbolic words in the Buryat language that reflect the figurative characteristics of moving objects, focusing specifically on their structure and semantics. The author studied a selection of around 150 words taken from the Buryat-Russian dictionary. The morphonological analysis has identified productive and less productive types of reduplicates, as well as some isolated examples of other structural types. A few examples of divergent reduplication have been identified. This study specifies the issue of distinguishing between reduplicated words with divergent reduplication and paired words. Reduplicated figurative words denoting non-standard gait types provide integrated perceptual images. Their nomination is based on distinctive features of a denotate perceived mainly by sight. Of significance are the following parameters of the subject: physical characteristics, shape peculiarities, and movement style. Reduplicated terms primarily display visual deviations, portraying artificial, oscillatory, or unsteady movements. These movements involve unique gaits, like wide leg positioning, swaying, waddling, awkward walking, delicate steps, skipping, fluid strides, or confident swaggering. The process of reduplication plays a significant role in shaping the semantic meaning of figurative terms, establishing a correlation between the concepts of repetition and multiplicity. More precisely, it designates the qualities of subjects in motion and articulates the meaning of cyclical movement, numerous spatial shifts, and prolonged, repetitive actions.

Keywords: Buryat language, reduplication, figurative words, external image, divergence, lexical-semantic group, movement

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