Historical Linguistics Research Articles

Causes and consequences in diachronic linguistics

Causes and consequences in diachronic linguistics

Representing the World in Language and Thought.

Internal representations guide our navigation of the world, while language allows us to share some of what is encoded internally with others. I have been interested in the content of thought, the nature of word meanings and what they reveal about thought, and how thoughts are expressed in words. My work has combined evidence from laboratory experimentation with observation of word use in natural settings, including from people who speak different languages. Some of the ideas guiding the work are these: understanding entities in the world non-linguistically engages different representations and processes than talking about them; patterns of word use in a language reflect cultural and linguistic history, not only conceptual representations of current speakers; linguistic and non-linguistic knowledge is therefore at least partially independent, and so language and thought will not always closely parallel one another; the beliefs people express about their concepts and word meanings may not accurately reflect the implicit knowledge they draw on in interacting with and talking about the world; and only by carefully observing actual word use can we understand how word meanings come about and how linguistic knowledge is used to select words for communication.

Aimaraism: The Aimara in Southern Peru Under the Lens of Empirical Historical Evidence and Linguistics. A Nation that Never Existed

Aimaraism: The Aimara in Southern Peru Under the Lens of Empirical Historical Evidence and Linguistics. A Nation that Never Existed

Representation of the Green Color in Russian and French Linguo-Cultures

This article represents an in-depth linguistic analysis of the use of green color in the Russian and French languages. The richness of phraseological expressions and lexical turns associated with this color is examined in diverse contexts. The primary focus is on denoting plants, nature, and metaphorical meanings, such as associations with youth and emotions. The study covers various domains of green color use, including its connection with playing cards, money, and alcohol. The author aims to uncover how the color interacts with cultural concepts and perceptions in different linguocultural environments of Russian and French languages, providing a profound understanding of the multilayered semantics of the color green. The research is based on a comprehensive analysis of linguistic materials, including a comparative analysis of phraseological units in Russian and French. Methods of semantic analysis, cultural context, and historical-linguistic comparison are applied. The work relies on authentic texts and integrates cultural and linguistic history to reveal nuanced aspects of green color usage. The study offers a deep analysis of phraseological units involving the green color, identifying their cultural, linguistic, and semantic aspects in the context of Russian and French languages. The work unveils common features and unique characteristics of green color usage, providing readers with a profound understanding of its significance in various linguistic and cultural paradigms. The scientific novelty lies in the full-scale analysis of linguistic material and the exploration of the influence of cultural factors on color perception in language. The research enriches linguistic science, offering valuable insights into the realm of cultural interaction through the language prism. It inspires further investigations into the semantics of color and linguistic anthropology, introducing new perspectives and understanding into discussions on the impact of color perception on cultural norms and customs.

The multilingual repertoire of the Haitian community in Chapecó (SC, Brazil): Patterns of linguistic evolution in a South–South migration context

The multilingual repertoire of the Haitian community in Chapecó (SC, Brazil): Patterns of linguistic evolution in a South–South migration context

ФЕНОМЕН НЕОЛОГІЗАЦІЇ У ПОЕЗІЇ І ПРОЗІ УКРАЇНСЬКИХ ФУТУРИСТІВ: ТВОРЕННЯ КОРПУСУ ТЕКСТІВ ТА АВТОМАТИЗАЦІЯ ВИДОБУВАННЯ ЛЕКСИЧНИХ НОВОТВОРІВ

This article is dedicated to the analysis of the activity of neologization processes in the works of Ukrainian futurists. The movement’s ideological underpinnings, which served as a catalyst for linguistic experimentation within the movement, are briefly discussed. Additionally, the article provides a concise historical overview of Ukrainian futurism and its broader historical context. A critical concern addressed in this study is the need to augment the corpus of Ukrainian futurist texts to facilitate further research in this area. The research offers a comprehensive spectrum of neologisms that have been formed through various methods and have been employed across diverse literary genres within the context of Ukrainian futurism. Specifically, it formulates criteria based on the absence of identified terms in prominent linguistic references, such as the “Large Electronic Dictionary of Ukrainian” and the “Dictionary of the Ukrainian language” in 11 volumes, and the “Dictionary of the Ukrainian language” published in 1909. Moreover, the inclusion criteria involve the limited occurrence of neologisms in the “General Regionally Annotated Corpus of Ukrainian,” with a focus on distinguishing futurist works from those of non-futurist authors, exemplified by the comparative analysis of futurist writers and Mike Johansen. Furthermore, the study delves into the methods employed to automate the extraction of these neologisms, showcasing both their advantages and disadvantages in the realm of linguistic research. A crucial aspect of the study involves a quantitative analysis of the frequency of neologisms in the works of futurist writers and Mike Johansen. This comparative analysis aims to unveil characteristic features of word formation within futurist literature. Through practical demonstrations, the study enhances our understanding not only of the linguistic nuances within Ukrainian futurism but also of the broader implications of utilizing automated approaches in the study of linguistic evolution and innovation.

The Study of a Kazakh document in Chinese archives related to Khankhoja sultan’s cattle trade and its historical significance

In the following article, Advanced research methods of history and historical philology are used, along with a letter written by the Kazakh’s sultan Khankhoja, who owned the East Kazakh steppe since the end of the 18thcentury and had close relations with the neighboring Qing dynasty, to the local taiji who was in charge of af-fairs in Tarbagatai is studied. The letter is written in the old Kazakh written language, the language is simple, understandable, the content is deep, it is an original document written by the Kazakh, which is very valuable for the comprehensive study of the trade business of the Kazakh steppe. In the previous studies, it was often said that “silk was traded for horses”, but as we can see from the content of the analyzed letter, not only hors-es were exchanged for silk, sometimes other livestock were also traded. The letter is now stored in the First Historical Archives of China in Beijing. From the contents of the letter, the long history of Kazakh- Kyrgyz relations can be indirectly understood.

“This is one Lucianus, nephew to the king!:” Political Dynamics of Four Hungarian Translations of "Hamlet"

In this paper I endeavour to retell a partial history of the Hungarian translation of Hamlet’s commentary: “This is one Lucianus, nephew to the King!” (3:2:239) on the “Murder of Gonzago,” aiming to elucidate the intricate interplay between translation, cultural discourse, and socio-political dynamics. Hamlet’s commentary, seemingly straightforward yet laden with complexity, poses implications capable of reshaping the trajectory and purpose of his theatrical experiment, crafted to probe and establish Claudius’ guilt. The partial history of translations encompasses the epochs of Ferenc Kazinczy (18th century) and János Arany (19th century) up to the modern renderings of István Eörsi and Ádám Nádasdy (20th-21st centuries). Within this framework, I claim that exploring these translations of Hamlet’s commentary offers a gauge of Hamlet’s position in Hungarian cultural discourse. The evolving connotations of words, reflective of linguistic shifts, imbue layered meanings not only onto the statement itself but also onto the theatrical experiment it encapsulates. This exploration of translation, interpretation, and linguistic evolution sheds light on Shakespeare’s and Hamlet’s socio-cultural-political role in Hungary, as translations serve not merely as transparent channels of meaning but also as reflections on the political and cultural commitments of translators and their audiences.

THE EVOLUTION OF TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL LANGUAGE: A DIACHRONIC ANALYSIS ACROSS CULTURES AND EPOCHS

The perception and expression of time and space in human language has long captivated researchers across multiple disciplines. This study delves into the diachronic evolution of temporal and spatial language, examining the shifts and development patterns in various languages throughout different time periods and cultural contexts. By analyzing linguistic corpora representing diverse languages, epochs, and genres, the research investigates the impact of historical, cultural, and environmental factors on the evolution of temporal and spatial expressions. Through quantitative and qualitative analysis of grammatical structures, lexicon, and metaphors, this study highlights significant patterns and changes in human understanding and communication of time and space. The findings offer insights into the dynamic nature of linguistic evolution and suggest implications for theories of language development, cognitive processes, and the intricate relationship between language and human experience. Through an examination of linguistic artifacts, texts, and historical records, this study uncovers the intricate trajectory of how societies have linguistically represented temporal and spatial dimensions. By identifying patterns of change and continuity, the research highlights the interplay between linguistic structures, cognitive capacities, and cultural contexts. The findings illuminate the dynamic processes that have contributed to the shaping of temporal and spatial language, ultimately deepening our understanding of the complex relationship between language, cognition, and cultural evolution. This work offers valuable insights into the mechanisms that underlie linguistic change and provides a broader perspective on the ways in which humans have grappled with conceptualizing time and space throughout history.

En svensk röst från Kaunas och Vilnius1939–1940: Lennart Kjellbergs brev

In this article, I intend to publish a series of letters by Lennart Kjellberg (1913–2004) who had worked as a Swedish lecturer in Lithuania at the University in Kaunas and Vilnius before World War II, in 1939–1940. I met Lennart Kjellberg several times in the early 90s when I, a young scholar after completing Swedish and Nordic studies and a doctorate in historical linguistics, came to Vilnius and started teaching at the University of Vilnius and set up the Department for Scandinavian Studies. We met several times in Uppsala, and Lennart Kjellberg gave me a bundle of copies of his letters, mainly to his bride Ann-Mari Stridbeck written in 1939, encouraging me to publish them. Kjellberg’s letters are an incredibly exciting source of information and insight for those interested in the cultural and political life of Lithuania during that time and in its perception by a young Swedish intellectual. For me, meeting Lennart Kjellberg, besides everything else, was an unexpected collision with the past which had been cut away by Soviet oppression. For those who grew up during the Soviet era, the period before and during the Soviet presence was sort of divided into then and now (before and after World War II). The loss of continuity in Lithuania’s history is perhaps one of its greatest traumas caused by the Soviet period. For this reason, Kjellberg’s letters, most of which are being published here for the first time, not only give us a lively picture of pre-war Lithuania but also contribute to our better understanding of our past and of ourselves.

Baltų kalbotyra Lietuvoje per šimtmetį

The article reviews the research of Baltic linguistics, including ancient writing, in Lithuania from the 1920s to the early 21st century. The aim was to discuss the development of some of the more important areas, directions and methods of Baltic linguistics, linking it with changes in public life and conjuncture, as well as national culture, and highlighting significant works. It begins with relatively modest but ambitious pre-war research conducted by traditional philological and comparative historical methods. It goes on to look at the oppressive time of the post-war ideological dictatorship, when, in principle, only activities of a practical nature were possible. The period of the so-called Thaw (ca. 1954–1965) allowed for some fresh air and maturing of the elite of Baltic language researchers, which in the years of stagnation (ca. 1965–1985) mastered the methods of internal reconstruction and structural linguistics, published significant works on the history of language, etymology, onomastics and synchronical linguistics, including theoretical ones, laid the foundations of schools of phonology and word formation. The review concludes with an epoch of Soviet transformation and restored independence (ca. 1985 to the present), which liberated researchers and gradually led to international horizons. Research in applied linguistics, terminology, stylistics, rhetoric and some other directions was discussed by collegues.

Somatic Phraseological Units: Reflecting Social Phenomena

Objectives: The primary objective of this article is to delve into the intricate world of somatic phraseological units and sayings within the modern Russian literary language. The focus is on shedding light on the cultural and historical underpinnings that have shaped the unique existence of these linguistic constructs. Somatic phraseological units, viewed as encapsulating the essence of a culture and its people, are explored as a fascinating lens through which to understand the rich tapestry of Russian life.
 
 Methods: The chosen methodology involves a thorough examination of the gaps in the linguistic landscape related to somatic phraseological units. The study aims to uncover the intricate threads that weave together the historical development of the Russian people. Through this linguistic analysis, the article seeks to offer valuable insights into the cultural significance and linguistic evolution of somatic expressions within the Russian language.
 
 Results: The article presents the results of the examination, emphasizing the cultural and historical insights gained from the exploration of somatic phraseological units in the modern Russian literary language. The results highlight the significance of these linguistic constructs in reflecting the collective experiences and identity of the Russian people. The linguistic analysis contributes to a deeper understanding of the cultural fabric woven into the expressions used within the Russian language.
 
 Conclusion: In conclusion, this article underscores the importance of somatic phraseological units in understanding the cultural and historical dimensions of the modern Russian literary language. By exploring these linguistic constructs, the study reveals the profound connections between language and culture, offering valuable insights into the intricate threads that have shaped the unique expressions found within Russian discourse.

Paamiut (Frederikshåb) Greenlandic in 1836: a Small Glimpse

Abstract The accounts of the La Recherche expedition (1st voyage, 1835–2nd voyage, 1836) include two Greenlandic wordlists that offer the opportunity to catch a glimpse (one admittedly small) of the local lect of Paamiut. The comparison with contemporary dialectological descriptions allows for interesting conclusions about the linguistic history of this region on the southwest coast of Greenland. Of the four diagnostic features traditionally ascribed to Paamiut Greenlandic, that is, (1) i-effect, (2) retention of the /s/ vs /ʂ/ opposition, (3) shortening of geminates in sequences of the type VVCCV(V), and (4) a kind of “vowel harmony” whereby /ua/ > /awa/ & /ui/ > /iwi/, the wordlists confirm fully (1) and partially (2). There is inconclusive evidence for (3) and no trace of (4) whatsoever.

TIRA — BILGOROD — ASPROKASTRО...: ETHNIC HISTORY OF THE REGION, REFLECTED IN VARIANT CITY NAMES

Introduction. The article offers a historical-linguistic analysis of all known historical variants of the modern oikonym Belgorod-Dniestrovskyi of the Odesa region: Tira, Belgorod, Aspron, Akja Kermen, Asprokastro, Chetatya Albe, Moncastro, Mavrokastro, Albi Kastri, Akkerman. The connection of each name with the corresponding period of the ethnic history of this region is traced — ancient Greek, East Slavic (ancient Ukrainian), Turkic (Tatar), modern Greek, Moldavian (East Romansh), Venetian-Genoese, Turkish, Russian. Purpose. The author carried out a structural-semantic and etymological analysis of the creative bases of the historical variants of the modern oikonym Belgorod-Dniestrovskyi of Odesa region: Tira, Belgorod, Aspron, Akdja Kermen, Asprokastro, Chetatya Albe, Moncastro, Maokastro, Mavrokastro, Albi Kastri, Akkerman and also traced the connection of the internal form of the specified names with the corresponding stages of the ethnic history of the studied region. Object of study. Historical variants of the modern oikonym Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi: Tyra (Tyra), Bѣlъgorodъ, Aspron (’Άσπρoν), Akja Kermen, Asprokastro, Chetatya Albe, Moncastro (Monchastro), Maocastro (Maocastro), Mavrocastro (Maurocastri), Albi Castri (Albi Castri), Akkerman (Акъ-Керменъ, Akierman). Research methods. Methods of analysis of historical variants of the oikonym Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi: the descriptive method: the word-forming structure of the given variants is described; the comparative-historical method, by means of which the creative bases of the specified names within the related Indo-European languages are characterized; the comparative method: a systematic comparison of genetically Indo-European names (Greek, Latin, Eastern Romansh, Slavic) with their genetically Turkic (Tatar and Turkish) counterparts; the method of etymological analysis: the etymons of the corresponding oikonymous variants are determined. Research results. The connection between the oldest name of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi — Tira and the corresponding archaic name Dniester has been established. The author assumes its evolution from the Pre-Iranian (Indo-Aryan) form tīvrā, and substantiates (with the involvement of a wide range of related names) the ProtoSlavic archaic of the ancient Ukrainian name Bilhorod ’ Бѣлъгородъ. Therefore, most of the other variants were formed as corresponding semantic loans (Tatar, Modern Greek, Moldavian (Eastern Romansh), Turkish) of the ancient Slavic name Бѣлъгородъ. Conclusions. The historical-linguistic analysis of the historical variant names of the modern oikonym Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi — Tira, Бѣлъгородъ, Aspron, Akja Kermen, Asprokastro, Chetatya Albe, Moncastro, Maokastro, Mavrokastro, Albi Castri, Akkerman — proves the connection between the linguistic history of the analyzed variant names and the corresponding ethnic history of the studied region.

Annotazioni di storia della lessicografia veneziana. Un testo inedito di Paolo Zolli

The article aims to present an unpublished study by Paolo Zolli preserved in the Archive “Carte del contemporaneo” of the Centro Interuniversitario di Studi Veneti (Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia). The study reviews the fundamental stages of the Venetian lexicography starting from its origins (with attention to the relationship between Venetian and Tuscan) up to the Raccolta of F.Z. Muazzo, on which Zolli had already given an initial assessment when the manuscript re-emerged in the Archivio di Stato of Venice. Thanks to internal data, the drafting text’s dating is placed in the beginning of 1970’s: it is therefore pioneering in a field of study – that of dialectal lexicography – that today has a great interest for historical linguistics.

Using Morphological and Etymological Approaches In Teaching Foreign Language

Etymology is the study of the history of the form of words and, by extension, the origin and evolution of their semantic meaning across time. It is a subfield of historical linguistics, and draws upon comparative semantics, morphology, semiotics, and phonetics. Etymology refers to the origin or derivation of a word.(also known as a lexical change) Etymology is important in teaching because it gives both the teacher and the learner the ability to understand the interconnectedness of history with language. Understanding the interconnectedness of words with each other and the way that words have brought people together and divided them over the centuries has distinctive effects on a pedagogical process. Etymology is the key that unlocks both knowledge and a love of knowledge. Many English learners have their first language as one that is a Latin-based Romance language as Spanish. Many others have a language that is commonly spoken in that is also a Latin-based language. When we teach vocabulary, including the etymology of the word makes it much more likely that our students who are learning English will understand the word better and more quickly. Even students who are not native speakers of a Latin-based language can still benefit from etymology because etymology is the ultimate two-for-one special. When you know one prefix, you probably get access to dozens or even hundreds of applications of that prefix. In this way, etymology becomes somewhat like a master key where, by teaching a single definition we unlock that word, but by teaching the etymology, we unlock many. With etymology, learners start to understand the interconnectedness of language and culture, as well as the interconnectedness of history with language. They had better understand the interconnectedness of words with each other and the way that words have brought people together and divided them over the centuries. Morphology is the study of the internal structure of words and forms a core part of linguistic study today. The term (morphology ) is Greek and is a make-up of morph-meaning “shape, form’”, and –ology which means “ the study of something”. For English teachers, etymology is a threshold concept, alongside its linguistic brother morphology (morphology being the study of forms of words, including prefixes, root words and suffixes, etc.), Many methodologists and teachers do believe that knowledge of etymology facilitates the guessing, recognizing, understanding, and remembering the meanings of words and that this approach is the very heart of word study. The paper presented the use of morphological and etymological approach in teaching foreign language.

The importance of diachrony in foreign language teaching: proposal for introducing innovative study programs

The article outlines the advantages of incorporating diachronic linguistics into foreign language instruction. It defines key terms and references recent research by James M. Stratton. Two approaches to integrating diachrony into education are discussed. The author delves into a proposed unique first-degree full-time study program (using a program tailored to the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich) that would enable students to master two to three closely related foreign languages at the B2+ level. An alternative version of the program and suggested admission requirements are also presented. Finally, a course project is introduced, which could serve as a cornerstone for the aforementioned fields of study and would be easier to implement due to administrative and staffing reasons.

Byte-Sized Evolution: Navigating the Linguistic and Cultural Dynamics of Social Media

In the ethereal realm of social media, where the digital and the tangible collide, a linguistic and cultural metamorphosis unfolds, redefining the essence of human communication and societal dynamics. This abstract encapsulates the intricate ballet between language and culture in the vast expanse of online platforms, exploring the transformative power, paradoxes and challenges embedded in this digital world. At the linguistic crossroads, social media acts as both provocateur and preservationist. The brevity demanded by character limits births a new lexicon, where abbreviations and emojis transcend the informal to entwine with the formal. Linguistic evolution becomes a pulsating force, challenging traditional norms while offering a canvas for conciseness in an interconnected world. The influencer phenomenon adds an avant-garde layer, as online personas shape linguistic trends, creating digital subcultures that infiltrate mainstream discourse.Cultural narratives unfold through the alchemy of hashtags, becoming tools of expression and catalysts for societal change. The paradox of globalization surfaces, with social media as both a bridge and a potential bulldozer of linguistic diversity. The dominance of English and Western cultural influence raises concerns, but online communities emerge as bastions for the preservation and revitalization of endangered languages. Yet, the digital landscape is not without its pitfalls. Misinformation, like a shadow, looms large, challenging the integrity of language and the trust in societal narratives. The influencer’s power becomes a double-edged sword, fostering digital subcultures while also igniting ethical debates on cultural commodification and misinformation spread. As societal fault lines are exposed, the echo chamber effect emerges, testing social media’s potential to either unite disparate cultures or deepen existing divides. The journey through this digital linguistic and cultural landscape demands a nuanced approach—embracing innovation while safeguarding against oversimplification, misinformation and cultural appropriation.

GENITIVE-NEGATIVE AS THE UNIVERSAL FORM IMPLEMENTING THE ‘ABSENCE’ CONCEPT

Background. The article deals with the problem of a case category, case typology, and partial case meanings definition which is still topical. Its solution has been proposed by L. Tenier, W. Chafe, Ch. Fillmore and other scientists. The history of linguistics testifies to the fact that even Panini in his Aṣṭādhyāyī paid attention to verb-noun ratios. The case category (case – from the Latin casus < from the Greek word πτόσισ ‘fall’) is the representation of cognitive role of a name in the syntactic construction. 
 The purpose of the study is to demonstrate universality of the specific case segment – Genetive of Negation – in the context of model structures implementing the ‘Absence’ concept. Objectives are as follows: 1) to analyze the current case concepts; 2) to define reasons why case forms are used in their relation to the expressed meanings; and 3) to generate models with genitive of negation within their structure.
 Methods. A continuous sampling method has been applied to search and accumulate the required study units. A comparative method has been applied to define integral and differential characteristics of typical models in different languages. Certain elements of a comparative historical method have helped demonstrate universality of cognitive and model structures expressing the absence concept. A structural method has become the basic one while developing the models representing actual mental constructs.
 Discussion. In the study, we focused on the Genitive Case forms, i.e. on the formal Genitive Case as well as its involvement in the structures able to express absence meaning of somebody or something. Fundamentally, the Genitive Case forms in the Ukrainian and English languages are universal not only to express relation of a person/subject, called either noun or pronoun, to some another object of reality but also to express negation. In grammars, such a form is assumed to be termed as genitive-negative. 
 Conclusions. We believe that any case meaning inclusive of Genitive of Negation semantics is a result of mental activity of the specific native speakers. In the process of historical development, a meaning adapts a number of implementation forms to itself. A language remains those ones being the most reasonable from the viewpoint of articulation as well as cognitive acceptance of the image-concept-meaning-form phenomenon by a community. The capacity to agree words in a speech flow, i.e. capacity to adjust word forms to each other according to the laws of one or another language depending upon specific semantic situations is the genetic feature of human mind able to transform into verbal / lingual experience. The situation is also typical for the studied segment of the forms and meanings. All components of the listed models, supplementing a form of Genitive Case of a noun or pronoun, make together Genitive of Negation forms. Such structures are universal for the two studied languages (i.e. Ukrainian and English) while expressing the ‘Absence’ concept. At the same time, we observe universal and original Genetive of Negation models.

Italian Zero: A Comparative History

The aim of this paper is to provide the first comparative, corpus-based description of the linguistic history of the Italian numeral-word zero. We show that the formal and semantic development of zero is far more complex than has been assumed and that it is intertwined with the history of cifra, originally a medieval Latin name for the symbol ’0‘. Cifra has received little attention from linguists despite the fact that its semantic development as a polysemous word is still reflected in modern Italian and in some of the other languages here explored. We examine the occurrence of these words in the context in which numerals for the symbol ’0‘ originated, namely the mathematical register, and then consider their uses in non-mathematical sources. We employ diachronic and synchronic analysis, both intragenre (within mathematical writings) and intergenre, and provide a comparative perspective by placing side-by-side works written in a variety of languages which have so far only been studied separately. Our theoretical observations and arguments cover both semantics and morphology. We argue that cifra underwent productive word-formation processes which created new lexemes via derivation and that its semantic development is a kind of expansive synecdoche. We also set out the challenges encountered in trying to explain the form zero.