Semantic evolution from “pray” to “talk” as a universal phenomenon

Мікіна, Олена Геннадіївна (2017) Semantic evolution from “pray” to “talk” as a universal phenomenon Studia Philologica (Філологічні студії) : зб. наук. пр. (8). pp. 3-10. ISSN 2311-2425

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Abstract

The article addresses regularities in lexical semantics’ evolution. The paper considers modern trends in the field of  historical semantics and suggests objectivity-enhacing methods aimed at semasiological study. The  said methods follow a  number of  rules: analysis is  carried out on  the  basis of  the full lexemes’ bodies with specific meaning in  the  language under investigation; semantic grouping is  analyzed in  the process of  its evolution, from  protolanguage to  the  modern state of  the languages under investigation; as  many related languages as  possible are analyzed thus making results and conclusions more objective and providing ground for  generalization; results concerning regularities in  lexemes’ meaning evolution in  a  certain language are tackled through the  prism of  previously discovered semantic transitions in  lexemes’ semantics in  other IndoEuropean languages therefore avoiding errors and demonstrating relativity of  the considered regularities. Verbs denoting intellectual, mental and physical activity of  a person give ample opportunities for  semantic transformations study. Our primary focus is the way of these lexemes’ semantics’ formation. The article examines the pattern of semantic evolution ‘pray’ → ‘talk’ employing the Latin verb ōrāre and its Romance continuants. The results of analysing a large body of empiric material allows stating that semantic transformations underlying the evolution of ōrāre are typical from the viewpoint of both realization within Romance areal and registering universality of similar semantic changes in the Indo-European linguistic space.

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