Ethnocultural framework for the use of phytonyms from lexical-semantic group «wild grasses» (a case study of M. Matusovsky book of poetry «My fathers’ land ‒ Donbass»)

Author(s):  T.A. Diakova, Dr., associate Professor, Mikhail Matusovsky State Culture and Art Academy of Lugansk, Lugansk, diako 122@rambler.ru

Issue:  Volume 38, № 4

Rubric:  Linguistics

Annotation:  Phytonyms from lexical-semantic group «Wild grasses» are viewed from ethnocultural perspective. Inputs for the study are Mikhail Matusovsky’s poetical works, included in the book of poetry «My fathers’ land ‒ Donbass». Recent studies on phytonymics as a part of linguistic world-image and its semantic features are analyzed. Special attention is given to publications on national features of phytonyms functioning. The use of the terms «phytonym» and «phytonaming» is defined. Plant life in traditional culture is not only related to business and labor activities, but it also illustrates one’s aesthetic sense, one’s likes and dislikes, related to various features of wild grasses (exterior view, aroma, ability / unability to maintain these qualities). The most common Donbass wild grasses, which were used in poetic texts (grass, mat-grass, sagebrush, thyme, tall grass, mint, thistle, etc.) are considered as formatives of the lexico-semantic group. Ethnocultural traditions of wild grasses perception are remarkably visible in M. Matusovsky poetry, which made it possible to speak of the connection of poet’s works to cultural and spiritual world of his nation

Keywords:  ethnic culture, phytonym, lexico-semantic group, signification, symbolism, positive value component, negative value component

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