Abstract
This paper investigates the path image schema in Russian motion verbs. It is argued that this image schema provides a principled explanation why Russian has a contrast between unidirectional and non-directional unprefixed motion verbs, but no such contrast for prefixed verbs.
Highlights
Russian verbs of motion involve three conceptual layers that correspond to the root, stem and prefix
This article has focused on the path image schema and discussed its interaction with manner and aspect in Russian verbs of motion
I have argued that the stem of unidirectional motion verbs like идти provides a schematic path
Summary
Russian verbs of motion involve three conceptual layers that correspond to the root, stem and prefix. The root /l’ot/ in летать and лететь conveys the meaning of flying, while the root /polz/ in ползать and ползти indicates crawling. The second, intermediate conceptual layer arises when a suffix is added to the root. I will use the term “directionality” for this intermediate conceptual layer, and refer to the members of the pairs as “unidirectional” and “non-directional” verbs of motion.. The third and outermost conceptual layer comes into play when a prefix is added to the verb. I will follow Talmy (1985) who uses the term path for meanings of this sort
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