Expression of degree semantics in simple and complex sentences from the perspective of isomorphism (using the example of the consecutive clause pattern)

Abstract

The article studies certain subsystems of the functional-semantic field of graduality in the Russian language. These include lexical, lexico-grammatical, and syntactic means of expressing adverbial degree semantics in simple and complex sentences which are examined from the perspective of isomorphism manifestation. The article is relevant since it identifies a common mechanism in the study area under consideration. The mechanism represents an unobvious manifestation of isomorphism, thus deepening the understanding of its scope. The article aims to analyse the options of using the consecutive clause pattern of indirect expression of degree semantics in simple and complex sentences as a vivid example of isomorphism. The article established the fact of isomorphism manifested in the presence of a common pattern employed to indirectly convey the semantics of degree. In simple and complex sentences, this meaning is often expressed through reference to the consequence from the corresponding degree of development or manifestation of a feature. This pattern is shown to be realised as a subordinate clause with the consecutive conjunction chto (English that) in a complex sentence. In a simple sentence, it is realised in adverbs like izumitelno (English amazingly), neperedavayemo (English indescribably) as well as in the prepositional case construction do (English to) + noun in the genitive case (do bezumiya, English to distraction; do nevozmozhnosti, English to the extreme). The study pays assiduous attention to those means of expressing degree semantics which are based on the consecutive clause pattern in a simple sentence as well as to the regular synonymy of adverbs and the prepositional-case construction. The article demonstrates the regular correlation of the ways used to express degree semantics based on the consecutive clause pattern by means of simple and complex sentences. The possibility of mutual transformation of these means is also shown. The consecutive clause pattern, which has a regular character, was found to ensure a wide involvement of lexemes with initially different semantics to perform the functions of a degree modifier in a simple sentence. The study employed componential, contextual, comparative, and transformational analysis.