Semantics of expectation in the system of fixed similes of the Russian language

Abstract

The article examines the group of synonyms of fixed similes (hereinafter FS) with the common seme ‘to wait’. The analysis was performed in the context of general assessment of the way the linguistic philosophical category of time is represented in the comparative phraseology system. On the one hand, the research is relevant due to the importance of time as one of the fundamental categories of human existence. On the other hand, there is an obvious lack of specialised studies in which Russian comparative phraseology would be examined through the prism of conveying the most important philosophical categories in it. Using text fragments from fiction and opinion journalism, the article aims to (a) identify integral semes that ensure the interchangeability of FS synonyms; (b) show the distinctive features of using those synonyms of the group that reflect the differential features of their comparative semantics. The study was conducted employing contextual, componential, and definitional analysis. To identify the semantic distinctive features of the FS included in the group of synonyms with the common basic feature ‘to wait’, the facts of structural variation of prototypical comparative units were used. Moreover, the article analysed the sustained metaphors related to these units and examined the techniques of their author’s transformation. The article concludes that each fixed comparative unit in the group of synonyms has distinctive features at the levels of semantics, compatibility, and pragmatics. While semantic affinity is determined by the unity of the concept associated with the basic feature (component C of the comparative structure), then the specificity of each of the compared units is related to the difference in the figurative basis (component B). The material presented in the article proves the thesis about the vivid imagery of fixed similes which does not fade due to their repeated use. Moreover, such imagery is clearly indicative of the main purpose of comparative phraseology, i. e., to reflect individual manifestations of certain features and their qualitative characteristics. The comparison with phraseological units and other set expressions shows that the repertoire of individual linguistic realisations of the semantics of expectation presented in the FS system of the Russian language is unique. It finds expression exclusively in the sphere of comparative phraseology.