CC BY
17
УДК 10.02.00
С. Р. Недбайлик
Институт иностранных языков, Петрозаводский государственный
университет, Петрозаводск, Россия
О ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНО-СЕМАНТИЧЕСКИХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАХ ЛЕКСИКО-ГРАММАТИЧЕСКИХ ДИСКУРСНО-ТЕКСТОВЫХ 'ПЕРЕХОДОВ' (НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ СОВРЕМЕННОГО АНГЛИЙСКОГО ЯЗЫКА)
Аннотация. В настоящей статье рассматриваются лексико-грамматические дискурсно-текстовые 'переходы', представляющие собой комплексное явление с многочисленными подтипами и различными функционально-семантическими манифестациями. Существуя на стыке служебной и знаменательной лексических подсистем, они проявляют явную тенденцию к взаимодействию с так называемыми чистыми связками - первичными носителями категориальной семантики 'конъюнкции' как по типу интеграции, так и по типу дифференциации. Частотность использования лексико-грамматических 'переходов' на (меж^сентенциальном уровне в современном английском языке значительно зависит от структурно-композиционных, жанрово-стилевых особенностей дискурсно-тексто-вых высказываний.
Ключевые слова: лексико-грамматические 'переходы', вводно-модальные элементы, функционально-семантические характеристики, взаимодействие, 'конъюнкция'.
Introduction 'transitions', also contribute to text unities structuring
As it is known, a discourse-text is a coherent and greatly facilitate any kind of work with them, i. e. system, functioning as a complete message, reading, translating, comprehension. Otherwise, the possessing its own content and organized by connectors' role isn't limited by sentences binding -
one of abstract models, existing in the language, characterized by some distinctive features [2, p. 165]. The very notion of 'content' applied to a text unity acquires its terminological use, different from the notions: 'sense' and 'meaning' [6, p.268]. Every text presents a regular structure, thanks to a definite set of categories. Thus, coherence and cohesion can be treated not only as semantic phenomena, being manifested simultaneously as structural, semantic and communicative integrity, 'interacting as form, content and function' [1, p. 169]. It's quite evident that communicative integrity of a text is expressed in the relations of succession between its forming components, micro-segments, or super-phrasal units (SPU) [4, p.176]. Otherwise, each following sentence of SPU (micro-text) is supported communicatively by a preceding one, what produces various theme-rhematic chains, structuring a statement informatively in the direction: from a known fact to a new one. All sentences, entering a (micro)text, are interlinked not only by their thematic unity and the principle of communicative progression, but also by various external signals, indicating that components form together some structural complex. In this connection, the linking elements total number can be made by pronouns, articles and auxiliary verb forms, particles, etc. Discourse-texts of different styles can also be formed by means of special elements, having got in the theory of linguistics the name of 'logical connectives' [5, p. 187]. These linking words, or so called
they can program any discourses understanding by a receptor [5, p. 190].
1 Discourse-text connectors functional status
It's quite evident that depending on the functional-stylistic character of discourse-text unities the number and cast of connectors can considerably differ with possible prevailing of their certain subtypes. This fact can be explained by specific features of their composition, structuring, as well as by the extent of logical-semantic integrity of text fragments of some individual style. In its turn, that stipulates for the possibilities of more or less extensive variation of syntactic relations realizing means and as a result of various types language units contextual synonymy. It is easy to guess that these tendencies are expressed most distinctly and clearly in speech statements characterized by high preciseness and logics of material presenting, informative density, what is observed particularly in scientific and official prose styles. Strict segmentation and linear structuring, compositional unity of such texts necessitate constant and deepened use of linking language units of more or less expressed lexical semantics seldom used on a sentential level for providing multilateral inter-phrasal and inter-propositional syntactic bonds.
2 Discourse-text 'transitions' classification types
Considering a generally accepted in modern communicative pragmatics syntax theory principle of connectors, or 'transitions' classifying into three
main types: a) completely grammatical; b) lexical-grammatical; c) completely lexical means [7, p. 172], it's necessary to define more precisely the actual scope and content of all these sub-classes. Thus, the first group comprises pure copulative elements, such as auxiliary verbs, conjunctions, prepositions, some parallel constructions, etc.; correspondingly, the second division includes adverbial, verbal, parenthesis-modal conjunctive words, whole sentences and their parts, prepositional-substantive complexes, etc.; the third group embraces various word doublings, synonyms, antonyms, etc., taking into account various possible connective word combinations, phrase segments and chains existing, such as: conjunction + conjunctive adverb, conjunctive adverb + parenthesis element, part of a sentence + conjunctive adverb, conjunctive adverb + conjunctive adverb, etc. One can easily guess that a special interest for multi-aspect research in the field of communicative pragmatics is undoubtedly provoked by the units of the second group 'transitions' considered to be real signals of sin-semantic relations, markers of so-called 'left/right context' [1; 5].
2.1 Lexical-grammar 'transitions' main varieties in modern English
First of all, the sub-class of these elements is formed by parenthesis-modal adverbial-substantive elements, such as: a) 'besides, moreover, more, furthermore, again, likewise, certainly, then, next, now', etc., expressing various nuances of connective type relations; b) 'however, yet, still, though, although, hence', etc., marking various nuances of contradiction type relations; c) 'therefore, thereupon, thus, accordingly', etc., expressing consequence type relations, It' s quite natural to suppose that all of them can easily correlate with primary and secondary conjunctions with synonymic functional meanings, even replacing and supplementing them in certain positions. Just the elements of this kind are able to form particular peripheral compound groups of words in the language system, combining morphological features of one class with syntactic characteristics of another and are regarded as partial transforms, having special localization zones in the functional-semantic field of 'conjunction' [9, p. 180]. It's quite evident that most of these above mentioned lexical-grammar 'transitions' are incorporated into syntactic complexes not only as the bearers of constructive function, fixing contextual-logical connections between sentences and their parts, but also as the markers of modal assessment, signals of actual segmentation [9, p. 119]. The very possibility of obtaining by parenthesis elements the connective function can be explained not only by their initial semantic similarity with so called 'pure' conjunctions and conjunctive words, i.e. the absence of subject-conceptual content in their semantics, but also by a clear tendency for 'language economy' [6, p. 170]. The ability of parenthesis adverbialsubstantive type elements functioning as connectors in a large context is often considered to be a special ground for their raising to a special interclass sub-
category of so called 'conjunctive adverbs' existing in the language system as a 'complex group of non-declinable lexical units, differentiated by distributive characteristics' [6, p. 184], being a constant reserve for conjunctions, conjunctive equivalents and other grammar linking means total cast enlarging.
2.2 Semantic-functional manifestations of parenthesis-modal discourse-text 'transitions'
Acknowledging the possibilities of frequent parenthesis adverbial-substantive, verbal and other type elements transpositions into syntactic distributions most favorable for acquisition a secondary conjunctive function, it is necessary to mention the inner reasons and factors of this phenomenon. The main factor predetermining the easiness of their position and functional charge change, together with their paradigmatic features, i. e. almost absolute morphological invariability (with the exception of some adverbial words ability to produce degrees of comparison forms, for example, 'likely') is their semantics initial relativity [7, p. 175]. Primarily different language elements of adverbial-substantive, verbal, etc. nature thanks to their lexical semantics abstractness and largeness of their manifestations scope are capable of expressing the widest spectrum of semantic-syntactic relation nuances in predicative structures, phrases, complexes, super-phrasal unities (SPU), such as: temporal, locative, conditional, causative, concessive, successive, conclusive, contradictory, etc. As a matter of fact, it causes a real and strong trend for their constant integration with purely grammar copulas, what results in possible partial or complete transforming of functional-semantic complex and correspondingly in their further moving first into peripheral and gradually towards the central zones of 'conjunction' functional-semantic field spheres [3, p. 244]. Of course, this process of 'parenthesis-modal' and 'conjunction' functional-semantic fields interaction is actually rather gradual and characterized by a low dynamics and a multi-stage course, what can be shown schematically by the figures presented in the following paragraph.
2.3 The main stages of 'conjunction' and 'parenthesis-modal' functional-semantic fields interaction process.
See figure 1.
^-------C -----
Figure 1 - The first stage of two functional-semantic fields interaction
Remark:
A - the center of 'parenthesis-modal' functional-semantic field sphere
B - the center of 'conjunction' functional-semantic field sphere
C - the point of two functional-semantic fields integration
See figure 2.
D
______c __
Figure 2 - The second stage of two functional-semantic fields interaction
Remark: C, D - the points, marking the border of two functional-semantic fields integration zone
See figure 3.
Co
Figure 3 - The third stage of two functional-semantic fields interaction
Remark: The shaded segment marks the enlarged zone of two functional-semantic fields integration
See figure 4.
Figure 4 - The fourth (final) stage of two functional-semantic fields interaction
Remark: The circles inside mark the zones of parenthesis-modal 'transitions' localization adjacent to the centers of the functional-semantic field spheres.
Depending on the extent of 'relativity' component expression in connective elements general semantics, they can be localized in different circles of 'conjunction' functional-semantic field structure, more or less distantly located from its central sections, which, in its turn, predetermines the possibility of such units use as its construction basic material.
1 Comparative functional-semantic analysis of different secondary conjunctives group elements
Naturally, the group of so-called secondary conjunctives can be formed in the periphery of adverbs class out of elements mostly disposed to be used as syntactic copulas in complex sentences and whole discourse-text fragments (SPU) because of their semantics 'relativity' component expression top extent [2, p. 168]. For example, conjunctive adverbial words and combinations, such as: 'moreover, furthermore, however, therefore', etc. are used for syntactic complexes parts binding with the same intensity as interrogative-relative adverbs ('when, where, why, how', etc. Other elements of this group, such as: 'meanwhile, instead, finally, hence, also, consequently, nevertheless, next, still, then, otherwise, nonetheless, likewise, besides, thus', etc. are most frequently used as inter-sentential discourse-text 'transitions' as well as prepositional-substantial combinations, prepositional-conjunction contaminants and compound copulas.
For example: 1 Under the close scrutiny of the markets, companies are proving quick to cut costs. However, introducing just-in-time techniques has led to a reduction in the ratio of inventories to sales in the manufacturing and retail sectors...[8, p. 128].
2 In this case the marginal revenue will equal the marginal cost. Moreover, under the price-assumption the effect is that the marginal cost equals the price [8, p. 145].
3 On the basis of these figures, Britain is, contrary to popular belief, far from being a generous welfare state. Finally, on this subject one other important difference must be noted [8, p. 167].
4 A number of new aids and methods are used in cases of emergency... Besides some of the institutions have taken a different approach... [8, p. 159].
5 Controlling the weight values by dilution provides considerable improvement in the fiber orientation profile. And active control is still needed to correct fiber orientation misalignment fault due to various reasons. [8, p. 134].
6 Increases in the price level will increase the price that producers can get for their products and thus induce more output. But an increase in the price will also have a second effect: it will eventually lead to increases in input prices as well...[8, p. 162]
It is quite obvious that copulative words in above given phrases show certain difference of semantic features expression extent. Thus, the adverbial-substantial element 'moreover', uniting syntactic
complex parts: (2) brings into it the lexical accents of 'addition', 'supplement', 'defining', 'detailing'. As far as the adverbial element 'however' (1) is concerned, it probably adds the lexical nuance of 'contradiction' into the whole syntactic complex semantics, functionally closely interacting with the conjunction 'but' (6). Of course, the very possibility of combining two functions at the same time - of a binding element / an adverbial modifier, proves the independence and largeness of their base lexical-grammar meaning, the lexical component surely prevailing, its 'conjunction' element having much weaker manifestation. Accordingly, all this necessitates postulating the above presented adverbial-substantive 'transitions' initial semantic features preserved despite actual syntactic transpositions and 'auxiliary' functioning usual character. In case (4) the adverbial-conjunctive word 'besides' also acts as a copula binding two parts of a complex phrasal unity, thus it realizes primarily the 'conjunction' component potentially contained in its base semantics and peculiar in any extent for most adverbial words. In fact, this unit is not related concretely to any of phrase segments, what can be proved by the impossibility of supposed excluding combinations with this word from the syntactic complex in case of its possible segmentation. It is an obvious sign of this 'transition' semantic dominant absence and its initial category features obvious transposition in conditions of given syntactic distributions [4, p. 174].
Of course, the sign of paradigmatic invariability, characteristic for given linking elements, provides their mutual integration in the sphere of morphology. As far as the parenthesis-adverbial word: 'finally' (3) is concerned, they certainly bring into syntactic complexes being fastened, the lexical-semantic nuances of 'consequence', 'succession', 'logical order', 'conclusion', accentuating at the same time the most relevant, important information, contained in the statements segments. Otherwise, they play the role not only of modal quality explicators and modifiers [4; 7], but also of communicative-pragmatic lexical intensifiers. One can easily guess, that this position of 'discursive elements', that is of 'left and right side sin-semantic signals' [4], helps them to mark a passage from one (micro)theme to another, thus contributing to actual segmenting of syntactic groups.
It's quite comprehensible, that the adequate idea of 'conjunction' element expression extent in a language unit general semantic complex and possible transformation usual/occasional character under the influence of one or another syntactic distribution can be obtained only in case of its multi-aspect comparing with specialized 'conjunction' function bearers -purely grammar copulas. Thus, considering the functional-semantic features of parenthesis-modal linking elements 'moreover', 'finally' and so called 'pure' grammar copulas, such as 'and', 'but', one can distinctly see their close interaction by the meanings of 'relativity', 'conjunction' (examples: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6).
The similarity of 'transitions' functional charge in above given examples is quite evident, still, their obvious semantic differentiation is observed in the extent of lexical component expression in the general semantic complex. Surely, the conjunction 'and' as well as the adverbial-conjunctive word 'besides' (en.) bring into above given phrases a purely grammar meaning of 'joining' and 'entering' them as linking elements they can't be considered as their members. In other words, they are totally (5) or mostly (4) deprived of any other functional charge and can be omitted without any violation of phrases coherence and changes of their semantics.
For example: 51 Controlling the weight values by dilution provides considerable improvement in the fiber orientation profile. ... active control is still needed to correct fiber orientation misalignment fault due to various reasons.
At the same time, the omission of parenthesis linking words 'moreover' (2), 'finally' (3) would probably cause a visible modification of the general semantic structure of statements even in case of preserving their relative integrity. For example:
1 Under the close scrutiny of the markets, companies are proving quick to cut costs. However, introducing just-in-time techniques has led to a reduction in the ratio of inventories to sales in the manufacturing and retail sectors...[8, p. 128].
11 Under the close scrutiny of the markets, companies are proving quick to cut costs. . introducing just-in-time techniques has led to a reduction in the ratio of inventories to sales in the manufacturing and retail sectors.
2 In this case the marginal revenue will equal the marginal cost. Moreover, under the price-assumption the effect is that the marginal cost equals the price [8, p. 145].
21 In this case the marginal revenue will equal the marginal cost. ... under the price-assumption the effect is that the marginal cost equals the price.
3 On the basis of these figures, Britain is, contrary to popular belief, far from being a generous welfare state. Finally, on this subject one other important difference must be noted [8, p. 167].
31 On the basis of these figures, Britain is, contrary to popular belief, far from being a generous welfare state. ... on this subject one other important difference must be noted.
4 A number of new aids and methods are used in cases of emergency.. Besides some of the institutions have taken a different approach. [3, p. 159].
41 A number of new aids and methods are used
in cases of emergency..... some of the institutions
have taken a different approach.
The functional differentiation of 'transitions' in above given examples becomes even more evident, if one takes into consideration their location in syntactic unities. It is universally known, that conjunctions can occupy in them a strictly fixed place corresponding to their utilitarian destination and thus any attempt
33
to move them into some other position will cause an obvious violation of sense. For example:
5 Controlling the weight values by dilution provides considerable improvement in the fiber orientation profile. And active control is still needed to correct fiber orientation misalignment fault due to various reasons. [3, p. 134].
51 Controlling the weight values by dilution provides considerable improvement in the fiber orientation profile,. active control is still needed to correct fiber orientation misalignment fault due to various reasons and...
52 Controlling the weight values by dilution provides considerable improvement in the fiber orientation profile. active control is still needed to correct fiber orientation misalignment and fault due to various reasons.
Moving the conjunction into the beginning of the phrase results, as a rule, in acquiring by it another functional charge - of a discourse-text connector with a previous context implied:
53. And controlling the weight values by dilution provides considerable improvement in the fiber orientation profile. active control is still needed to correct fiber orientation misalignment fault due to various reasons.
As a matter of fact, any moving of parenthesis-adverbial linking words in the frame of statements doesn't cause violations of their general semantic integrity. For example:
22 In this case the marginal revenue will equal the marginal cost. Under the price-assumption, moreover, the effect is that the marginal cost equals the price.
23 In this case the marginal revenue will equal the marginal cost. Under the price-assumption the effect moreover is that the marginal cost equals the price.
32 On the basis of these figures, Britain is, contrary to popular belief, far from being a generous welfare state. . on this subject finally one other important difference must be noted.
33 On the basis of these figures, Britain is, contrary to popular belief, far from being a generous welfare state. . on this subject one other important difference finally must be noted.
43 A number of new aids and methods are used in cases of emergency.. some of the institutions besides have taken a different approach.
44 A number of new aids and methods are used in cases of emergency.. some of the institutions have taken besides a different approach.
Of course, these experimental data and results of transformative and comparative multi-aspect analysis carried out show quite clearly real margins and points of different types parenthesis-modal lexical-grammar discourse-text 'transitions' and pure grammar copulas possible mutual semantic-functional interaction being manifested in the aspects of integration/differentiation.
Conclusions
In general, all this obviously proves the broadness
of lexical-grammatical parenthesis-modal discoursetext 'transitions' semantics, what allows them to play both the role of intra-phrasal copulas and sentence modifiers, bringing into the total syntactic complexes meaning the lexical nuances of 'supplementing', 'addition', 'consequence', 'logical order'. Surely, it gives a real ground for stating their functional integration with 'pure' copulas by the common meanings of 'relativity', 'conjunction' in semantic complex. But, at the same time, they are obviously differentiated by the sign of lexical components presence/absence in general semantics. This also proves a real poly-functionality of parenthesis-modal adverbial-substantive conjunctive equivalents, permitting them to play the role of lexical intensifiers and discursive modal markers in the frame of syntactic complexes, structures and phrasal unities. Parenthesis-modal discourse-text 'transitions' of various genesis (adverbial, substantive, verbal, etc.) create a known parallel gradation of reality assessments (degrees of reality) of a fact, exposed in each of complex syntactic unities parts. In this connection, they can be also treated as the explicators of text statements modal quality and its most informative segments, capable of bearing the additional functional charge of actual segmentation means.
Thus, one has an obvious reason to consider discourse-text lexical-grammar connectives as an open-bordered group of poly-semantic, poly-functional units with hybrid, mixed characteristics, localized at the crossing of 'modality', 'conjunction', 'adverbial', 'substantive' fields and occupying there a separate open micro-field adjacent to micro-fields of conjunctions and conjunctive words. It is quite comprehensible that the scope and frequency of many inter-sentential and sentential parenthesis-modal adverbial-substantive 'transitions' use in modern English are stipulated by specific structural-compositional and stylistic features of written or spoken discourse-text statements.
Библиографический список
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3 Недбайлик С. Р. О функционально-семантических характеристиках вводно-наречных дискурсно-текстовых «переходов» логического типа в современных французском и английском языках / С. Р. Недбайлик // Древняя и Новая Романия. - 2015. - Т. 16. - Вып. 2. - С. 238-245.
4 Пастухова С. Е. Консекутивы следствия английского языка и их функции в естественно-научном стиле письменной речи / С. Е. Пастухова // Вопросы романо-германской и русской филологии : межвузовский сборник научных статей / под ред. Л. В. Кустова. - Пятигорск : Изд-во Пятигорского гос. ун-та, 2001. - С. 173-180.
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германской и русской филологии : межвузовский сборник научных статей / под ред. Л. В. Кустова. - Пятигорск : Изд-во Пятигорского гос. ун-та, 2001. - С. 180-200.
6 Arapoff N. The semantic role of sentence connectors in extra-sentence logical relationships. Tesol Quarterly. New York : Academic Press, 1998. Vol. 2, рр. 234-278.
7 Hall P., Harriel M. Reference guide to grammar and usage. New Jersy: Englewood Cliffs, 1994. 306 p.
8 Kisseleva A. K. Management and economics. Moscow : Prosveshenye, 2011, pp.123-193.
9 Moeschler J. Causal, inferential and temporal connectives: Why 'parce que' is the only causal connective in French?. Materials of the International Forum. Roen, 2014, pp. 97-114.
S. R. Nedbailik
Institute of foreign languages, Petrozavodsk state University,
Petrozavodsk, Russia
ON FUNCTIONAL-SEMANTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF LEXICAL-GRAMMAR DISCOURSE-TEXT 'TRANSITIONS' (ON THE MATERIAL OF MODERN ENGLISH)
Abstract. This article considers lexical-grammar discourse-text 'transitions' as a complex phenomenon, having numerous subtypes and various functional-semantic manifestations. Existing at the junction of auxiliary and principal lexical sub-systems, discourse-text connectors show an obvious tendency for interaction in terms of integration/differentiation with so called 'pure' copulas as primary bearers of conjunction category semantics. The frequency of lexical-grammar 'transitions' use at sentential and inter-sentential levels in the modern English considerably depends on structural-compositional, stylistic and genre particularities of discourse-text units.
Keywords: lexical-grammar 'transitions', parenthesis-modal elements, functional-semantic characteristics, interaction, 'conjunction'.
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