STRUCTURE OF LEXICO-SEMANTIC FIELD IN LITERARY TEXT

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the issue of a lexical-semantic field within an author’s literary text. A lexical- semantic field is viewed as a paradigmatic group of lexical units that are united in accordance with their semantic affinity. A lexical-semantic field is explained to possess a hierarchical structure, which allows to ensure a developed semantic picture of a certain conceptual field. Based on the novels of John Maxwell Coetzee, the structure of a lexical-semantic field is outlined. It encompasses semantic concretization of specific areas of an individual author’s linguistic world picture. The first stratum of a lexical semantic field is defined as a lexical semantic microfield that reflects division of a broader conceptual area into narrower related ones. A lexical semantic microfield is, in turn, divided into semantic subclasses, i.e. word groups based on similar semantic and morphologic characteristics. Introduction of semantic subclasses into the structure of a lexical semantic field is encouraged by the need to group lexical units according to part-of-speech criterion and, simultaneously, demonstrate semantic plentifulness of meaning in the individual author’s linguistic world picture. The lower hierarchical stratum is occupied by a lexical semantic group which embodies intralingual relations among lexical meanings. Inclusion of lexical units into a lexical semantic field is possible under the condition of dominant seme component that marks semantic affinity of a word to the relevant outer linguistic reality. Inventorization of suitable lexical units takes place via dictionary definition analysis, since reference to lexicographic definitions allows to create a chain of definitions and reveal pertinent semes in word meanings. One of the lexical semantic fields construed is based on novels by John Maxwell Coetzee is „HUMAN”, reflecting the conceptual field of a human. The abovementioned lexical semantic field is divided into four lexical semantic subfields that together sketch a human through the lens of emotions and feelings, built, mind and thinking, and, eventually, language. The present article focuses on lexical semantic microfield „Human Body”. The paradigm of lexical semantic field structure is represented, semantic range of meaning within the microfield is described, and grouping of lexical units into semantic subclasses and lexical semantic groups based on the analysis of dictionary definitions is performed.