Comparative Linguistics Research Articles

Rozwój myśli językoznawczej na Uniwersytecie Wileńskim w pierwszym trzydziestoleciu XIX wieku w świetle badań Anny Kaupuż

The aim of this article is to show the development of linguistic thought at Vilnius University in the period 1805–1832 on the basis of the unpublished doctor’s dissertation The Essays on the History of Slavic Philology at Vilnius University at the Beginning of the 19th Century [Очерки по истории славянской филологии в Вильнюсском университете в начале XIX века] of Anna Kaupuż (1924–1994), a good archive expert. Following the materials found in the Lithuanian, Polish and Russian archives, the researcher reveals the place of linguistic issues in the didactics and scholarly interests of Vilnius University professors during this period of the development of historical-comparative linguistics. The research activities of Ivan Cherniavsky (1768–1822), Eusebius Slovacki (1773–1814), Leon Borovsky (1784–1846), and Ivan Loboiko (1786–1864), professors who held positions in the two departments, that is, in the Department of Russian Language and Literature and the Department of Rhetoric and Poetry, during the period in question, are examined in detail. The research allows to conclude that linguistic views of the afore-mentioned researchers were fully in line with the spirit of the period – their worldview was still influenced by classicist thinking but the comparativist ideas had reached the University, research in the Lithuanian language started, and the works in the field of dialectology were published. Thanks to I. Loboiko, Vilnius University became one of the few academic centres in Europe of that time, where comparative grammar of Slavic languages was taught.

Comparative Linguistics of Meknasi and Er-Rissani Dialects: Phonological, Morphological, and Socio-Cultural Dimensions in Moroccan Arabic Varieties

Purpose: The study delves into the intricate realm of language and its regional variations, a topic widely explored across multiple linguistic branches, including sociolinguistics, phonetics, socio-cultural, and applied linguistics. Each of these branches brings forth a unique perspective, defining regional variation tailored to its specific theoretical framework. Typically, general descriptions of languages prioritize the standard variety in terms of pronunciation or vocabulary, but this does not necessarily rank it above other varieties. It is pivotal to understand the distinction between regional dialects, which differentiate residents of one region from another, and social dialects that align with specific social groups. Dialect geographers have endeavored to visually represent these linguistic nuances through 'dialect atlases,' employing 'isoglosses' to demarcate the geographical distribution of linguistic features. An exemplar distinction is evident between the Meknes community's use of the word /qal/ and Errachidia Province's use of /gal/. Methodology: To elucidate the methodological framework of this study, a qualitative approach was employed, primarily through interviews, which were chosen based on their high acceptance within the local communities. This approach not only bolstered the reliability of the data gathered but also aligned with the nature of our linguistic inquiry. Findings: The study finds that examining the broader linguistic practices of the Meknasi and Er-Rissani populations, especially in social interactions, offers insights into the underlying reasons for these linguistic disparities. Crucially, factors such as ethnic background, an individual's social and familial lineage, and the surrounding environment play significant roles in shaping linguistic choices, be it in Amazigh, Arabic, or southern Arabic dialects. This study further underscores the influence of modern and traditional environments on word selection.

SINGULUS & PLURES IN UKRAINIAN, TURKISH, GERMAN, CHINESE LANGUAGES: LEXICO-GRAMMATICAL FEATURES CATEGORIES OF NUMBERS

The work is devoted to the category of number in the Ukrainian language in a comparative-linguistic aspect with other Indo-European, Turkic and Sino-Tibetan languages. The purpose of the study is the comparative and analytical aspect of the number category in the Ukrainian, Turkish, German, and Chinese languages. The tasks of the work were to determine the comparative aspect of the number category in the German language compared to the Ukrainian language, to reveal the comparative aspect of the number category in the Turkish language compared to the Ukrainian language, to identify the definition of the comparative aspect of the number category in the Chinese language compared to the Ukrainian language. The object of the research is the number category in the Ukrainian, Turkish, German, and Chinese languages. The subject of the study is examples of singular and plural (singulus and plures) in Ukrainian, Turkish, German, and Chinese languages. The work uses comparative, historical, comparative and structural research methods. Scientific novelty is determined by the fact of the analysis of the category of the number of languages of different linguistic and historical groups. The theoretical and practical value of the obtained results lies in the application of the research material in working with foreign students for better and effective teaching of their Ukrainian language as a foreign language. The conclusions state that the number category is an interesting lexical-grammatical feature of language formation worthy of further research. When teaching students of foreign origin, it is advisable to take into account the complex grammar of their native language. The study of the category of number from the perspective of comparative linguistics provides a wide space for new research. Such studies have not only theoretical, but also practical/professional benefits for teachers of Ukrainian as a foreign language.

Когнитивные механизмы цветообозначений в рекламном туристическом нарративе (на примере озера Байкал)

The aim of the study is to determine the cognitive mechanisms of colour terms in the advertising tourist narrative. The scientific novelty of the work is accounted for by the problem statement: it is the first time that colour terms have been considered taking into account the mechanisms of their cognitive organisation in the advertising tourist narrative using Lake Baikal as an example. The paper analyses the views of researchers describing colour terms in the Russian linguistic worldview, the advertising discourse, cognitive linguistics, historical and comparative linguistics. The study emphasises that colour as a culture code is a significant cognitive category and colour terms possess associativity and axiological value, are connected to the history of the nation, its peculiarities in relation to ethnic norms, traditions, customs and rituals. As a result of the study, it has been found that the main cognitive mechanisms of colour terms in the advertising tourist narrative include foregrounding as the informational-pragmatic core in the structure of the textual whole; metaphor as a source of figurative naming; standard comparative constructions and realised comparisons. The analysis of the material attests to the fulfillment of the potential of lexical units with secondary colour naming in such main conceptual-thematic areas as “Animate nature” and “Inanimate nature”.

Fostering language learning strategies through comparative linguistics: future directions for Azerbaijani higher education

The purpose of the study is to examine the motivation for using comparative linguistics methods, namely the methodology of the comparative language approach in English classes at Baku State University (BSU), and to show the levels of typological errors among students. In the paper an analysis of related literature was used. Among the sources that contained the key terms of the presented work, 30 were selected in order to describe the issue in the broadest possible way. In addition, for the practical part of the work, elements of comparative linguistics in the study of English among first-year students of the Faculty of Germanic Philology at the BSU were used. Students were divided into 2 groups. One of them studied English based on the tenets of comparative linguistics. The novelty lies in the fact that usually in the linguistic environment such subjects as comparative linguistics are introduced at the senior courses. The results of the study showed that based on the comparative linguistic method in the didactics of teaching a foreign language, bilingual students perceive the acquisition of English based on the comparison of sounds, morphemes, and lexemes at the associative level with their native language (despite the fact that Azerbaijani belongs to another group of languages) and has a systemic flexibility. Initially, one relied on the developed didactic methods of comparative linguistics. The final module showed better results for Group 2. The conclusions indicate that typological errors among BSU students are language “noise”. However, phonological, morphological, lexical, and syntactic errors can be eliminated through comparative didactics in foreign language teaching. It improves the general cognitive and metacognitive applicants’ abilities, strengthens their understanding of their native language, strengthens reading and writing, and develops general communication skills. So, the methodology of the comparative language approach is active, participatory, and motivating.

The Making of a Masterpiece: An Examination of Zimen Jingxun’s Authorship

The Chinese Buddhist anthology Zimen jingxun (Admonitions to the Black-robed Monastics 緇門警訓), a compilation believed to have originated during the Song dynasty, constitutes a Chinese Buddhist anthology containing teachings from Buddhist masters and ethical principles intended for observance by monastics. This anthology has garnered scholarly attention due to the noteworthy nature of some of its components. However, there exists a dearth of comprehensive scholarly analyses in the English language, and the precise compilers of this anthology remain shrouded in ambiguity. Nevertheless, the Zimen jingxun has exerted a profound influence on the training of monastics in China, Japan, and Korea, and has emerged as a particularly influential work on Buddhist monastic education in the Korean context. Therefore, this paper functions as an initial effort to address this scholarly gap. Utilizing the methodologies of comparative philology and historical philology, this study undertakes an analysis and comparison of the original Zimen jingxun and its foundational counterpart, the Zilin baoxun, in addition to their subsequent amended and modified versions. The primary aim of this research is to deduce its compilers and the timeframe of its compilation by examining the existing content, prefaces, citations, and any discrepancies discernible in each rendition. Furthermore, it seeks to evaluate the importance and role of each version within the broader context of the Buddhist canon.

In the Garden of Xerxes’ Palace

Abstract Esther 1 tells us that Xerxes had a special garden that he used for his weeklong celebration given on behalf of the residents of the citadel of Susa. The description of the pavement in verse 6 indicates that this provided a foundation for an opulent decorated garden, drawing upon the many cultures over which the Persian empire of the fifth century BCE ruled. The purpose of this study will be to examine the material composition of that pavement, in particular the bahaṭ, a noun often translated as “porphyry.” Following a review of proposals and analyses of this term, a new suggestion will apply both comparative philology, place name analysis, and the archaeology of Persian period northeastern Africa to argue an alternative understanding of the noun bahaṭ, “colorful granite.” The goal of this study will be to provide a more accurate perspective on the overall composition of the pavement and its garden.

ON THE QUESTION OF THE SEMANTICS OF RUSSIAN NOMINAL SUBSTANTIVE PHRASES AND THE EXPRESSION OF THEIR CORRELATES IN THE PERSIAN LANGUAGE

Phrases consist of various parts in the Persian and Russian languages. The article presents semantics of Russian substantive prepositional phrases with a dependent noun, which are expressed in Persian by Ezāfe phrases, with the “noun + adjective” structure. The empirical and factual basis of the study was the Russian-Persian dictionaries by G. A. Voskanyan, I. K. Ovchinnikova, S. D. Klevtsova and the Persian dictionary “Sokhan”, edited by H. Anvari. The scientific novelty of the work is the fact that for the first time in Russian-Persian comparative linguistics, Russian nominal phrases coinciding with the Ezāfe phrases “noun + adjective” are distinguished. Also novel is the semantic analysis of the identified phrases and their correlates in the Persian language. The results of the study can be used as additional material by teachers and students studying Russian as a foreign language in universities of Iran. In addition, this work can be a useful scientifically grounded source for Persian and Russian translators.

G. HICKES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF GERMANIC STUDIES IN GREAT BRITAIN AT THE END OF THE 17th AND THE BEGINNING OF THE 18th CENTURIES

The article analyses the contribution of G. Hickes (1642–1715), the author of an Anglo-Saxon grammar and Linguarum vett. septentrionalium thesaurus grammatico-criticus et archæologicus, into the intellectual life of his time. Gathering around him the group of ‘Oxford saxonists’, he promoted the study of the AngloSaxon language and culture, the publication of texts in ancient Germanic languages and their translation into Late Modern English. In the context of the history of comparative linguistics, his works, in which Anglo-Saxon was considered alongside other Germanic languages, testify, in spite of their deficiencies, to the emergence in that early period of such important concepts as a parent language and a family tree. His achievements include the first description of Anglo-Saxon dialects and poetry. Taking into consideration Hickes’ attainments, one might find it strange that many of his contemporaries viewed his research and that of other Oxford saxonists in a critical light. The first reason lay in the intellectual climate of his time. In an age when most British intellectuals saw their historical roots in the culture of Ancient Greece and Rome, the scholars suggested a principally different interpretation of the roots of the British nation. In fact, they contributed to the emergence of a new AngloSaxon identity. Secondly, their contemporaries found strange and pedantic their scholarly methods of textological analysis, which, actually, were quite close to modern ones, and the dry style of their works, the abundance of terms and complicated syntactic structures. The third explanation is the practical bias of most prescriptive grammars of the 18th century, which looked for criteria of correctness not in historical records, but in contemporary usage.

Языковые антиномии В. фон Гумбольдта в аспекте перевода (на материале оригиналов и переводов новелл Э. А. По)

The paper examines W. von Humboldt’s language antinomies in the context of comparative linguistics and translation. It is noted that some issues of modern translation science were identified and ways to solve them were proposed in W. von Humboldt’s linguistic concept. It is argued that when translating literary works, the translator should rely on the language antinomies identified by W. von Humboldt. This research aims to substantiate the necessity to take into account the language antinomies identified by the German scholar W. von Humboldt in translation science, which is motivated by the vector for the most accurate interpretation of the author’s intention chosen by the translator in the course of translation activities. The scientific novelty of the study is accounted for by an attempt to correct the dominant meanings of the original literary texts taking into account the language antinomies identified by W. von Humboldt and to conduct a comparative analysis of the semantic dominants of the English-language originals and their translations. As a result of the study, it has been found that the language antinomies elaborated by the German linguist W. von Humboldt should be taken into account when translating literary texts in order to identify the implicit meanings of the English-language originals and convey them in translations.

The Corresponding Expression of Chinese Directional Verbs in Uyghur Language

Directional verbs have always been a difficult point in teaching, translating and learning Chinese grammar. Scholars at home and abroad have done a lot of research on them, but most of them focus only on directional verbs or only on individual words in Chinese-Uyghur directional verbs. There is little systematic and comprehensive research on the corresponding expressions of Chinese-Uyghur directional verbs. Based on previous studies and the theoretical foundation of comparative linguistics, this paper discusses the corresponding expression rules of directional verbs in Uyghur from four aspects: the grammatical meaning of simple directional verbs, compound directional verbs and directional verbs, and the difference between directional verbs and object positions. Through comparative analysis, the structural patterns and rules of different languages will be found, which will provide a certain scientific basis for the learning of Chinese-Uyghur languages and also play a certain auxiliary role in second language teaching.

Sociolinguistics and linguistic intersection: the case of some Kwa languages of Côte d'Ivoire for didactics of related languages.

This article addresses the issue of lexical similarities between some Kwa languages of Côte d'Ivoire. These languages often use the same item or an item whose pronunciation differs only by one phoneme or one syllable to designate the same reality. We analyze this phenomenon using the notion of linguistic intersection. The aim is to facilitate the choice and teaching of these languages. . To achieve our objectives, this study falls within the general framework of sociolinguistics and language teaching, using comparative linguistics. Through a few items from the six Kwa languages of our work, we proceeded to a lexico-semantic crossing to arrive at the following results: our research revealed two types of (linguistic) lexico-semantic intersection: nominal items having the same meaning are phonetically either totally or partially identical. Keywords : linguistic intersection, language didactics

Kinship Terminology as a (Still) Significant Anthropological Analytical Category

This paper explains the concept of kinship terminology as an analytical category in anthropology and highlights its importance. Special attention is given to the differences in approach and methodology employed in anthropology compared to comparative philology and historical linguistics when it comes to this type of research. In addition to discussing the typology of kinship terminology systems, the paper addresses current knowledge regarding two longstanding questions: 1. the relationship between kinship terminology and non-linguistic elements (principles of social organisation and kinship behaviour), and 2. historical changes and transformations of kinship terminological systems.
 From the perspective of contemporary anthropology, when interpreting the prevalence of different types of kinship terminology worldwide, it is necessary to consider and distinguish between two principles of grouping: the ‘principle of propinquity’ and the ‘principle of form.’ The principle of propinquity can be applied when dealing with societies that are linguistically, geographically, and historically connected. When terminologies with the same formal characteristics, including identical rules of kinship classification, exist in geographically, linguistically, and historically distinct and distant societies, the principle of form is applied, which focuses more on logical rather than historical connections between systems.
 While earlier studies focused on finding logically powerful and empirically efficient analytical means of classification, in recent decades the emphasis has increasingly shifted towards broader social, historical, and cognitive issues and processes. Contemporary approaches to kinship terminology aim to identify and explain variations rather than categorise such systems into one general category or another. Because what matters is not which category fits better, but rather which features can be combined in different ways to form a concrete system in the real world.

Analysis the Studies into Comparative Linguistics

In these article different researches and their critical statements and assumptions are presented so as to get common relationships connected to comparative linguistics.

Ancient Connections of Sinitic

Six main alternative linkage proposals which involve the Sino-Tibetan family, including Sinitic and other language families of the East Asian area (Miao-Yao, Altaic/Transeurasian, Austroasiatic, Tai-Kadai, Austronesian) are briefly outlined. Using the standard techniques of comparative linguistics, a remote linkage between the Sino-Tibetan languages, including Sinitic, the Yeniseian languages of Siberia, and the Na-Dene languages of northwest North America is demonstrated. This includes cognate core lexicon showing regular sound correspondences, morphological similarities of form and function, as well as similarities in social structure. The other proposals for linkages that connect Sinitic and other languages of the East Asian area appear not to be based on a genetic linguistic relationship but rather due to contact: millennia of loanwords from Sinitic into the languages of those families and some lexicon borrowed into Sinitic. More remains to be done to further document the status of the linkage between Sino-Tibetan and Dene-Yeniseian.

MOTIVATIONAL COMPONENT OF MATHEMATICS TEXTBOOKS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL (THE BEGINNING OF THE 21ST CENTURY)

The article analyzes the motivational component of mathematics textbooks for students of grades 2–4 at the beginning of the 21st century, the author of which is the well-known Ukrainian researcher and methodologist M. Bohdanovych. It is significant that these textbooks were used as alternative textbooks by most primary school teachers in Ukraine during the specified period. The analysis was carried out according to our elaborated methodology for studying the motivational component of textbooks designed for younger schoolchildren, which includes the following components: emotionality of the content of the educational material; ways of its didactic organization; textbook design. Ways to implement the motivational function of mathematics textbooks at the beginning of the 21st century for primary school have been described. It was done according to the first component which is the most productive and gives a general idea of the motivational component of the textbook. In particular, mathematics textbooks of the beginning of the 21st century were analyzed according to the criterion of “selection of information taking into account students’ cognitive interests”, which is detailed in the corresponding indicators. In the process of analysis, the positive characteristics of these educational books were established (the presence of characters in the plots of mathematical problems, things and activities that are valuable and close to children’s sensory experience, interesting tasks and mathematical problems with fairy-tale plots, etc.). Also, the shortcomings were indicated. These include insufficient number of the previously mentioned tasks, elements of humor, historical information, “curiosity” sections, etc.). On the basis of the obtained results, scientific and methodological recommendations were formulated regarding the strengthening of the motivational component of textbooks designed for younger schoolchildren.
 The specified recommendations offer specific instructions on improving the content of the mathematical problems plots to strengthen their motivational orientation, in particular on increasing the number of characters that are attractive to children, objects that children often use in everyday life and which are valueable for them, and types of personally meaningful activities, performed by the protagonists of the tasks, as well as mathematical problems with original and fairy-tale plots; approximate examples of mathematical problems with a natural plot and information on interesting statistics and agriculture are given. It is also proposed to include material in the “curiosity” rubrics in mathematics textbooks, the author provides the tips on the effective use of other means of motivational influence: elements of humor, historical information, prominent people’s quotes, information on comparative linguistics and etymology, local history material, folk traditions and customs, written and oral folklore. The expediency of using the mentioned recommendations in the process of creating modern mathematics textbooks and books on other educational subjects is substantiated..

Archaeology, Language, and the Question of Sámi Ethnogenesis

Abstract Debates over the ethnogenesis of the Sámi and their historical presence in Fennoscandia have long affected scholarly and public discourses. More recently, these debates have been fueled by new propositions launched by Finnish linguists regarding the origin and development of the Sámi language. In this article, we target this corpus of linguistic research and the wide-ranging implications it suggests for the Sámi past. While based on historical and comparative linguistics data, a notable feature of the studies examined is that they also lean heavily on assumptions about the archaeological record in their reasonings. These assumptions, we argue, are, to a large extent, based on very limited or outdated knowledge of archaeological research on the Sámi past, and in particular, that of northern Norway. The article raises critical questions regarding the notions of cultural areas, ancestral homelands, and migrations that abound in these linguistic studies and challenges the a priori primacy assigned to language as the constituent of cultural identity. In conclusion, we outline a Sámi archaeological past that does not concur well with recent linguistic accounts and which, in the end, begs the question of whether this discrepancy can be reconciled and, if so, how this can happen.

PECULIARITIES OF TRANSLATING DOUBLETS INTO UKRAINIAN (BASED ON GERMAN AND ENGLISH LEGAL TEXTS)

The article discusses the challenges and strategies of translating doublets into Ukrainian based on German and English legal texts. A corpus-based approach is used to analyze legal texts in two languages to identify the most common types of doublets and determine the most effective ways to translate them into Ukrainian. The study shows that translating doublets in legal texts is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the source and target languages, as well as the context in which the doublets are used. The results of the study demonstrate that there are several strategies that translators can use to translate doublets effectively. For example, using synonyms, paraphrasing, and omitting one of the components of a doublet pair. These strategies proved to be especially useful when translating doublets from the legal field, as translation in this field requires accuracy and clarity. The practical results of this study are important for translators working with legal texts in German, English and Ukrainian. The study provides valuable insights into the most effective strategies for translating doublets and emphasizes the importance of a thorough understanding of the context in which doublets are used. Moreover, the article has important theoretical importance for researchers in the fields of translation studies, terminology, general and comparative linguistics. The study of doublets on the example of legal texts helps to better understand the mechanisms of translation and the peculiarities of language. The results of the research can be used in further studies of the translation process, including the analysis of other language phenomena and contexts. In particular, it has been found that translating doublets is a complex process that requires a translator to have a deep knowledge of both languages and clear understanding of the context in which doublets are used. In general, the study shows that translation of doublets is an important part of the translation process and requires the translator to be able to follow effective strategies and identify ways to translate doublets.

Experience of design and development of a new open access interactive multifunctional database management system for special lexis of biology

Terminology work requires a lot of data processing in the practical research of comparative linguistics, especially when studying linguistic and terminological changes over time. The lack of appropriate wide-usage electronic tools and databases can slow down such research. Thus, an efficient information management solution is necessary to improve the efficiency of terminology and comparative linguistic research. Since 2021, a team of terminologists, translators, researchers, and information system developers worked together for two years, during which the open access interactive multifunctional database management system (IMDS) was designed and developed for data storage and a wide range of statistical and search options, especially for language research purposes and comparative multilingual studies in linguistics and terminology. The information system consists of multiple modules (input, statistics, export, etc.). The data input module was successfully designed and developed and has been used effectively by researchers for entering and collecting special lexis units. The article mainly describes the statistical data that can be obtained from the IMDS, as well as problems encountered during the development of the system. The IMDS data collection has been updated with 50,846 entries of scientific (Latin) organism names, 60,585 entries of local names of different organisms (mainly in Latvian, but also in other languages), 1427 entries of names of organism-caused diseases, 2942 entries of dictionary words and 313 entries of terms with definitions collected based on excerpts from different publications containing common names linked with their scientific names.

Sanskrit in Modern Context: Exploring the use and revival of Sanskrit in contemporary society, including its role in education, literature, and arts

This research explores the use and resurgence of Sanskrit in modern culture with an emphasis on its functions in the fields of education, literature, and the arts. Over the ages, the spoken form of Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language famed for its religious, philosophical, and literary literature, gradually declined. However, in recent years, there have been persistent attempts by academics and enthusiasts to restore Sanskrit's importance in a number of fields. This study investigates the use of Sanskrit in contemporary education, including its use in colleges and universities, as well as the difficulties and possibilities associated with teaching and studying this ancient language. The research also looks at the impact of Sanskrit on modern literature and the arts, including classical dance, music, and theatre. Additionally, it explores the language's function in religious and philosophical discourse, illuminating its importance in the preservation and dissemination of spiritual and philosophical literature. The article examines Sanskrit's distinctive linguistic traits and its contributions to contemporary linguistic research, especially its importance in the reconstruction of Proto-Indo-European and comparative linguistics. The study also emphasises the role of technology in text preservation and dissemination, as well as the digital resources accessible for studying Sanskrit and exploring its literary riches. It emphasises the necessity for ongoing efforts to conserve and develop this ancient language as an important cultural and intellectual asset in the modern world by reflecting on the difficulties and chances for Sanskrit in the future.