Reflection of Intimate Relations in Mongolian Languages
https://doi.org/10.25205/1818-7919-2025-24-9-54-63
Abstract
Purpose. The author considers the verbs of the Mongolian languages characterizing the process of sexual intercourse. Due to the high degree of taboo of the topic under consideration, a large number of the verbs of Mongolian languages appeared in processes of the lexicalization of the figurative meaning of the word and the lexicalization of syntactic phrases.
Results. The material of paper contains only two verbs formed using the affixal way of word formation. From the point of view of evaluative variation, euphemisms, dysphemisms, and orthophemisms can be distinguished among the verbs of the sphere under consideration. There are verbs with the initial semantics of impact, representing a semantic universal, are identified. The functioning of substitutive verbs in order to avoid communicative discomfort is noteworthy. The verbs of the field under consideration have nationally marked features due to the cultural originality of the speech culture and traditions of the Mongolian peoples. In particular, cases of the transfer of pastoral vocabulary into the sphere of relations between the sexes have been identified. The presence of a rich layer of imitative words in the Mongolian languages also makes it possible to skillfully conceal inappropriate forms. The analysis of words related to the sphere of intimate relations allowed us to conclude that their semantics contain both the universal and specific character of the mental world of native Mongolian speakers.
Supporting agencies: The research was carried out within the state assignment (project no. 121031000258-9 “Man’s World in Mongolian Languages: Analysis of Expressive Means of Emotional Breadth”)
About the Author
E. V. Sundueva
Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ekaterina V. Sundueva, Doctor of Sciences (Philology), Associate Professor
Ulan-Ude
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Review
For citations:
Sundueva E.V. Reflection of Intimate Relations in Mongolian Languages. Vestnik NSU. Series: History and Philology. 2025;24(9):54-63. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25205/1818-7919-2025-24-9-54-63
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