Generation of Metaphtonymic Proper Name in the Epic Discourse

Abstract

The study of names and descriptions is based on the epic texts of the Khakas culture. Proper names of the epic discourse are regarded as definite descriptions that possess the ability to identify an individual referent and to function as proper names. The interpretation of proper names as descriptions is based on the linguistic and the logic researches presented in the works by N. D. Arutyunova; E. V. Paducheva; A. D. Shmelev; B. Russell; G. Frege; S. Kripke etc. Different types of epic nominations have been identified. The most popular of them are metaphorical, metonymical, and metaphtonymic nominations. They demonstrate the features of conversion of appellative as a simple description into proper name. The article presents metaphtonymic nomination as one of the types of epic proper name. The analysis of metaphtonymic nomination demonstrates the transition of indefinite characterizing predicate description (related to any objects in general and denoted attributes) to the actantial position. In this syntactic context the appellative gets the definite reference and the aptitude to signify an individual being. Conversion of indefinite characterizing predicate description is claimed to be the central mechanism of generation of metaphtonymic names. It must be emphasized that this type of nomination is a complex process of interaction and correlation of binary phenomena, leading to the emergence of proper name as a separate lexical category.