Articles

The present paper explores WAHALA, AFRO and ASO EBI as ethnocspecific concepts which operate in the novel “Wahala” by N. May, an Anglo- Nigerian writer, and allow her to depict identity construction in biracial female characters along the normal, hyperethnic and hypoethnic trajectories.

The type of hybrid identity constructed by a mixed-race person is a function of one’s perception of their own group and other groups. An optimum level of tolerance towards one’s group and other ethnicities is referred to as normal identity among mixed individuals within the framework of this research. Hyperethnicity manifests itself in hybrid identity through foregrounding one of the cultures of one’s parents, whereas eliminating a culture as unimportant compared to the other one is a marker of hypoethnicity.

The results obtained through a study of the abovementioned concepts as represented in N. May’s novel show that the protagonists’ mixed identity develops along the hypoethnic trajectory when they reject the African half of their hybrid self. Hyperethnicity develops alongside giving more prominence to that very part of their cultural identity. Normal hybrid identity in its turn is constructed due to emphasizing the moral anchors of one’s mixed-race group and putting their personal qualities and deeds before their roots.

The paper is devoted to a topical issue of the communicative P. Grice’s cooperation principles and J. Leach’s politeness maxima. The research is based on the theory of cooperation and politeness combined with the strategic approach to the study of communicative and pragmatic characteristics of the literary text/discourse. The subject of the analysis is the strategy of differentiation the “positive politeness” and “negative politeness” phenomena. The result of the study is the implementation of the negative politeness strategy in the modern literary text/discourse. It is carried out through specific speech tactics (such as compliance with speech formalities and communicative distance; deliberate uncertainty and vagueness of statements; contrasting of speaker’s achievements to his opponent’s negative expectations; demonstration of success in fulfilling the promises; self-presentation.) One of these negative politeness tactics is considered to be so called “political correctness.” The author comes to the conclusion that the implementation of this type of negative politeness strategy is not carried out properly. The results of the study can be used and applied in the search of the specific language tools that allow to convey literary text/discourse effectively.

The article is devoted to the study of French phraseological units with the component loup (wolf) and to the consideration of classification principles, which allows for the fullest disclosure of the associative potential of animalrelated phraseological units. The sources for the study include the dictionaries of the French language by V.G. Gak, Tresor de la Langue Francaise, etc.; and works of fiction (e.g. Lafontaine, Maupassant, etc.) as well as popular scientific literature (e.g. Buffon) that influenced the collective ideas of the French. The theoretical basis of the study was provided by the works of G.G. Molchanova, L.I. Bogdanova, G.G. Sokolova, N.D. Arutyunova and others. The article proposes a four-stage classification that allows us to identify the meanings of the mentioned phraseological expressions taking into account 1) references; 2) evaluative characteristics (general evaluative and particular evaluative); 3) functions (identifying and qualifying); 4) the direction of metaphorical transfer (animal → human/ phenomenon and human → animal). The results of the study showed that most of the associations are based on the biological features of the loup/wolf and its behavioural characteristics; many phraseological phrases have negative or neutral evaluation and perform a qualifying function. All examples with the phraseologism loup (wolf) illustrate the transfer of features from an animal to a human or phenomenon, the reverse transfer was not revealed.

The article is devoted to the study of the timbre nature of syntactic units in poetic and journalistic texts based on modern theoretical and linguistic concepts. The focus is on the relationship between rigid predicative structures and flexible superphrasal rhythmic-syntactic unities. 

The purpose of the article is to analyze the role of rhythm as a mediator between the local and global timbre of the text, and to show how rhythmic patterns (“rambling”, “grading”, etc.) can act as a framework for timbre build-up. The authors analyze in detail the minimal unit of syntactic interaction — syntaxeme — as functional module that sets the step of timbre evolution. Within the framework of a four-level analysis (grammatical, logical-conceptual, epistemic, and emotional-expressive), the “shock zones” of timbre are identified and it is shown how syntactic deviations — inversions and parenthetical introductions — create windows of plasticity within rigidly formed grammatical constructions. 

In addition, it is shown how in journalism these techniques form a polyphonic timbre that combines rhythmic fractionality with expressive density. The authors of the article propose to consider timbre as an indicator of text coherence, depending on the consistency between the rhythmic structure and syntactic organization. Based on the theoretical works of Russian linguists, the authors build a dynamic model of the text, where timbre becomes an analytical marker of structure, expression and semantic coherence. A universal scale for assessing the timbral architecture of a text is also proposed, which helps to take into account all the necessary components for deep timbral analysis.

The article deals with some aspects of deliberate modification of the source text in the process of interlingual transference. It is noted that such interference may be due to a variety of reasons. Linguistic (or translation-related) aspects resulting from discrepancies between the source and target languages— and manifested through different types of translation transformations—are recognized as practically inevitable. Quite often it becomes necessary to employ techniques aimed at eliminating various types of lacunae that reflect the ethnocultural specificity of the original. A certain role may also be played by subjective factors related to the translator’s personal characteristics, which may lead to a significant alteration of the original text’s content.

In those cases where interference in the text during translation is motivated by ideological reasons (in the broad sense of the term), it is advisable to distinguish between ‘indirect’ (public) and ‘direct’ (official) censorship. Formally, the former is a private initiative of individuals or groups without the executive powers; the latter is implemented by special institutions, and their decision has the directive authority. At the same time, the official censors must follow the existing instructions and are responsible for their decisions, whereas those who speak as if from themselves are not constrained by such considerations, and their demands regarding translations may therefore be even more hardline. At the same time well-known are the cases of ‘censorial paradoxes’ in relation to translated literature, when foreign texts that were not in line with official ideology were nevertheless legally published.

The article examines the pedagogical grammar of the German language, “German Grammar” (“Nimetskaya Grammatika”), created by Professor I.A. Heym — a scholar, encyclopedist, public figure, and educator who taught at Moscow Imperial University in the late 18th and early 19th centuries — for students of Russian Imperial gymnasiums and the Free Noble Boarding School. Th e study aims to identify the distinctive features of the book’s structure and content, uncover the language teaching principles reflected within, and analyze the usage of grammatical terms and definitions in both Russian and German. It has been established that I.A. Heym’s work applies several general and specific didactic principles typical of grammar textbooks from that period: systematic presentation of grammatical material, clarity, consideration of the learners’ native language, and an intercultural approach to learning. The abundance of grammatical terms and their definitions is recognized as a significant characteristic of pedagogical grammar as an academic textbook. The article provides examples of terminologization and examines terms whose meanings and forms differ from modern grammatical terminology, highlighting its dynamic nature. The author’s emphasis on clear explanations of grammatical phenomena is evident through the use of various types of definitions (generic-specific, enumerative, non-specific, etc.). Examples of unsystematic definitions and variability in the translations of grammatical terms are viewed as natural indicators of the formation and development of the conceptual and terminological framework of Russian and German grammars, as well as the emergence of early 19th century prototypes of academic textbooks.

The article investigates the role and functions of English in the contemporary Russian hip-hop dance discourse. Although there is a raft of research focusing on the functioning of the English language within the landscape of hip-hop culture, hip-hop dance omasticon in Russia has not been analyzed or classified so far. A qualitative analysis and further classification of 335 proper names, denoting Russia-based international hip-hop contests (held in Moscow, Reutov, Yekaterinburg and Sochi in 2025) as well as dance studios and solo artists that participated in them, demonstrate that it is Russian English that is being utilized in the 90% of cases of the examined proper names. The key recurrent translingual practices based on the bilingual interplay of English and Russian languages, such as graphic, semantic, lexical and grammatical hybridization, nativization, and acculturation, are identified and described. Russian English is viewed as a vehicle of identity construction that is not aimed at projecting Western popular culture but rather at manifesting Russian culture. Hence, it targets primarily Russian speakers of English in Russia instead of international community.

The article examines ethno-tourism as a promising tool for revitalizing the traditional culture of Russia’s indigenous small-numbered peoples. It analyzes key regions of ethno-tourism development in Russia (Kamchatka Krai, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, etc.), as well as its main forms. Special attention is paid to the role of indigenous communities themselves in managing tourism projects, which is crucial for sustainable development and preservation of their cultural authenticity. The article explores the risks of commercialization and standardization of ethnic heritage, as well as international experience (using Canada as an example) in regulating ethno-tourism. In conclusion, measures to mitigate negative impacts are proposed, including policy regulation and the active involvement of culture bearers in designing tourism programs.

The article examines the terminology introduced by M.V. Lomonosov in geosciences and the stylistic features of his natural science works as applied to the practice of teaching foreign languages at the Faculty of Geography of Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov, the founder of Moscow University, is a unique person that had the features of a public figure, scientist, historian, poet, artist, philosopher. His scientific heritage covers natural sciences and humanities. The teachers of the Department of Foreign Languages for the Faculty of Geography conduct “Lomonosov lessons” in classes of English, French, German, Spanish. Students give talks on various aspects of the scientific activity and biography of the famous Russian scholar. While preparing presentations students acquire relevant vocabulary, practice public speaking in foreign languages, and master translation skills. In addition to topics directly related to the activities of M.V. Lomonosov in the field of geography, our non-philological students are very interested in talking about Lomonosov, as philologist, especially about his development of Russian scientific and technical terminology and the formation of a style of scientific speech. This article presents the topics of the “Lomonosov lessons” at the interface of geography and philology. The attitude of M.V. Lomonosov to Russian and foreign languages is considered, and his high appreciation of the qualities of the Russian language is explained. The article discusses the origin and application of geography terms based on the study of Lomonosov’s scientific works in the field of various disciplines of Earth sciences, as well as techniques for creating geographical terms. The article analyzes excerpts from some of Lomonosov’s scientific works, where along with a neutral style of presentation there are examples of his original use of terms in metaphorical meanings. and other expressive stylistic means. The results of the study are applicable in the practice of teaching foreign languages to non-philological students.

The article examines a new phenomenon within the international political discourse, namely diplomatic discourse and its sub-type Deal Diplomacy. This phenomenon is analyzed from the linguistic and cultural perspectives, which take into account the peculiarities of the worldview of Russian- and English-speaking societies. The relevance of the study is dictated by the need for comprehensive awareness of a new phenomenon within the framework of international cooperation. As a practical discipline, intercultural communication is a tool to increase understanding among people of different nationalities, enhance cooperation, and minimize conflict. The novelty of this research lies in a semantic approach to the term “Deal Diplomacy”. The methods used to conduct the study include analysis and synthesis, the method of continuous sampling and philological analysis, the method of lexicographic definitions, as well as the comparative method, which contributed to the comprehensive consideration of this discourse. The results of the study show the feasibility of using the term deal diplomacy within the framework of diplomatic discourse, which has special characteristics from different linguocultural perspectives.

The evolution of proper names references of foreign culture plays an important role in the processes of intercultural communication. In the early stages of interlanguage and intercultural interaction, referents of different onomastic fields may be assigned the same name, which results in issues with the identification and localization of objects in space. The purpose of this article is to study the phenomena of multiple reference and its evolution using the example of the Russian onyms Saint-Nicolas (Saint Nicholas) and Saint-Michel-l’Archange (Saint Michael the Archangel) in the texts of French travelers of the XVI–XVIII centuries. Taking into account the works of A.V. Superanskaya, V.A. Nikonov, T.Ju. Zagrjazkina, M.-N. Gari-Prieur an analysis of the meanings of these Russian onyms in Francophone discourse is carried out. It was concluded that the most full-fledged multiple reference is presented in the text of the XVI century, when the French were just beginning to explore the Russian space: each name has four referents. There is a broadening and narrowing of the references of the synonyms Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Michel-l’Archange from text to text. The development of references shows the relationship between the distribution of the main and secondary meanings of the onym and the role that its referent played in the eyes of the author, for example, the role of the port-customs of St. Nicholas becomes less significant, and the frequency of use of Saint-Nicolas as a toponym decreases as it falls out of use. The meaning of the hagioanthroponym “Saint Nicholas” appears and becomes the most frequent.

This article is devoted to the study of digital discourse using the example of the communication of the online community “Warum бы и nicht” on the VKontakte platform and in the Telegram channel. The research is based on modern approaches to the study of digital discourse, including the analysis of computer-mediated discourse. It also examines the theory of code switching and its implementation in the digital format. The article identifies and analyzes the functions of the German-language component in the community’s posts, examines the phenomenon of code switching and its parameters, and explores the specifics of communication within the digital community on the two specified platforms. The article describes the structural features of the inclusion of German words in Russian-language posts, identifies the themes of the messages, and analyzes the texts of posters, posts, and comments. Special attention is given to the representation of German culture in the community’s posts. The use of two languages within the same community is a marker of its intercultural orientation, but the presence of two languages in a single message is not always a manifestation of code-switching. The use of German for a predominantly Russian-speaking audience can be used to attract attention, construct historical identity, and promote a specific cultural identity.

The article discusses contradictory tendencies as observed in Singapore English: first, the trend to language standardization caused by linguistic globalization, which is opposed to the drive to express local identity and which is implemented via the form of Singapore Spoken English, aka Singlish that reveals notable deviations from Standardized Written English; second, the linguistic strive to stockpile huge data bases as language corpora that may include rather laconic speech forms, such as SMS. The subject matter of this research is SMS written in Singapore English and maintained in the NUS (National University of Singapore) Corpus. The object of the research is focused on the dynamics of the SMS language compared in two cross-sections — of 2004 and 2012 periods. The first section revealed Singaporean’s drive to use Singlish that expresses Singaporean identity; the second cross-section made it more noticeable the results of the government campaign for standardizing Singapore English. The research employed comparative, corpus-based, and frequency analysis methodologies. The findings revealed lexical items originating from indigenous languages (Chinese, Malay, and Tamil) spoken by Singapore’s population; the preservation of such terms within English-language discourse proves to be a crucial aspect for local inhabitants in articulating their national identity and self-consciousness.

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of changes in approaches to monitoring and assessing language proficiency from the advent of the first computers to the introduction of modern generative artificial intelligence models. The study aimed to trace the historical evolution of intelligent assessment systems, conduct a comparative analysis of existing solutions, identify ways to integrate AI into language education, and assess prospects for further development in this field. Particular attention is paid to automatic written text assessment systems, the stages of their integration into learning, and intelligent adaptive testing platforms capable of personalizing assignments to the level and needs of students. The study’ s results demonstrate that modern intelligent systems significantly expand the capabilities of teachers and students, providing more accurate and rapid assessment of written assignments and facilitating the development of individual educational trajectories. The integration of generative models into testing systems opens up new prospects for language education but requires a rethinking of the role of the teacher, improved methods and ethical standards, and training of specialists capable of effectively using AI tools in educational practice.

The formation of fiction is determined by the cognitive-pragmatic specificity of the frames-scenarios that constitute the dominants of the semantic space of a literary text. The fictional reality modelled by the author has a fictional nature, while fiction is interpreted as a “construction” of a possible reality. The article focuses on the substantiation of the cognitive-pragmatic status of the frame-scenario in the formation and functioning of fiction. Based on the material of micro- and macro-contexts taken from the text of J. Fowles’s novel “The Magus” (1965) (in the original and translated into Russian by B.N. Kuzminsky), the functioning of the frame-scenario Game as a constituent of the semantic space of the fictional text is parameterized. It is done within the coordinates of the literary reality and the fantasy world that prove to be fictional in the cognitive-semantic nature. The research methods form a holistic complex in application to the material, the priority ones are the observation method, the deductive-inductive method, the comparison and contrast method, the linguistic modelling method, the frame and cognitive-semantic analysis, and the philological interpretation. The study established that the development of events in the text of the novel “The Magus” constitutes a conflict between the scenario based on the stereotyping of the situation and the frame-scenario, which is aimed at deconstructing multi-level stereotypes. Literary reality and the fantasy world in the parameters of fiction are delimited from each other in a specific physical space. The objectification of the fundamental unreality of the literary text occurs through the frame-scenario Game, since it constitutes literary fiction not only in spatio-temporal coordinates or subject features that are deconstructed by the character and the reader, but also within the framework of their logical conclusions, for which the semantic resource of comparative constructions and metaphors is involved.