The modern ukrainian word in relation to its referent: theory and problems

Abstract

The complex nature of the word, with its richness of features, makes this study relevant, as it has prompted researchers to examine it from various scientific perspectives. This approach has contributed to the expansion of the range of microproblems associated with this linguistic unit and the emergence of contradictory interpretations. In this context, it appears crucial to examine these issues through the framework of the denotative approach. The scientific understanding of the «concept – word – term» process has been the subject of considerable debate, leading to unconventional interpretations of contemporary social realities. This is exemplified by the two-word nomination «Ukrainian word». This research aims to examine the lexicon of the modern Ukrainian language. The research subject is Ukrainian word and term names regarding the denotative approach to their nature. The objective of the present study is to underscore the idiosyncrasies of Ukrainian word names of denotates in both traditional and contemporary approaches to addressing the challenging issues of the modern Ukrainian literary language. The empirical foundation of the study comprised a card index of specific word names of denotates, sentences, word combinations, and phraseological units selected from the texts of literary works by Ukrainian writers and poets, folklore, contemporary Ukrainian periodicals, and scientific and popular science publications. The totality of the investigation encompassed approximately 2,000 instances, incorporating a diverse array of word forms denoting various concepts.  The present study explores the modern Ukrainian word about its denotatum, focusing on the dichotomy of «full meaning/partial meaning» and «single-level/multi-level» categorical representation of nature and types of word names of denotata. In the context of extant theoretical and linguistic-didactic oppositions, such as the dichotomy between «full-meaning word» and «function word» or «full-meaning part of speech» and «non-full-meaning part of speech» some aspects of instability and challenges in the interpretative fragments of the corresponding interpretations are delineated. The paper provides a detailed exposition of the phenomenon of semantic redistribution in the system of full-meaning word names of denotates typical for Ukrainian discourse, using specific examples to elucidate the concept. The necessity to augment the semantic substance of word names of denotates, occasioned by contemporary extra-linguistic realities of their denotative essence, was elucidated and interpreted. The author elucidated the fundamental nature of the categorical status of «emotionality», particularly in analyzing corresponding word names denoting artistic styles. The emphasis of the study was on the accomplishments of prominent scientists who have made significant contributions to the realm of innovation, particularly in the context of the Ukrainian word. The study's theoretical significance lies in the author's generalizations about the word in its projection onto the denotatum. These generalizations will serve as a basis for further in-depth study of the Ukrainian word from various scientific approaches and aspects. The necessity of the research topic is primarily evident in the comprehensive study of the native language, which is based on a combination of different approaches to linguistic units, the selection and use of scientifically sound criteria for determining linguistic realities in the Ukrainian language, as well as in a comparative aspect.