Figurative verbs of facial expression in the lower zone of the face: structure, semantics, features of functioning in an epic text

Abstract. The article presents a study of verbs that characterize the facial expressions of the lower facial zone (teeth, lips, mouth) based on the facial zone division proposed by the linguist O.D. Proskurnich, which constitutes the novelty of the research. The relevance is due to the insufficient study of the specific features of figurative verbs in the Yakut language. The aim of the work is to conduct a structural and semantic analysis of figurative verbs that characterize facial expressions and to identify their functional features in an epic text. The study was conducted based on 54 complete olonkho texts, since figurative verbs are one of the common artistic and expressive means used by masters of the storytelling art. The continuous sampling method was used to collect the materials; the analysis of the sound structure of the word; component analysis based on dictionary definitions to reveal the semantics of the words; and the method of contextual analysis to identify the various meanings and shades of meaning of the verbs under study in context, depending on their functions. During the analysis, the figurative verbs describing facial expressions in the lower part of the face were divided according to their semantic structure into verbs characterizing the movement “to spread the lips and show the teeth” (ardjay, arsay, ordjoy, yrdjay) and verbs depicting “the movement and shape of the lips” (nyimiy, olloy, omoy, oppoi, ortoldjuy, solloy, tolloy). As a result of the study, it was revealed that the sounds in the figurative verbs of the Yakut language contain certain information that generates the meaning of the word, determines the relationship to the represented object; in olonkho texts, these verbs are used in the form of participles and adverbs in combination with service verbs, as well as in a reduplicated form or in paired combination with other figurative verbs, in as a component of the comparative construction, which adds intensity and expressiveness to the described actions; the verbs considered are most often involved in describing actions or characterizing the appearance of a character, in most of the abaasy monsters. Further study of figurative verbs related to facial expressions of the upper and middle parts of the face appears promising.

Funding: The study was carried out as part of the research project of NEFU “Cultural universals and regionally localized unique features of the Yakut epic tradition: interdisciplinary research, digitalization, and popularization technology”

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