Article

Name: On the comparative function of the particle -la (-le) in the Tuvan language

Authors: A. V. Bayyr-ool

Institute of Philology of the SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russian Federation

In the section Синтаксис

Abstract:

This study examines comparative constructions with the particle -la (-le) in the Tuvan language. The comparative meaning of the particle under consideration is realized in nouns. The analysis identifies two contexts for its use: with nouns in comparative phrases and in the predicate position. In both types of constructions, the comparison parameter can be expressed either explicitly or implicitly. In sentences with comparative phrases, with the predicate expressed by an adjective, it is the adjective that denotes the parameter aspect. The understanding of the basis of the parameter is typically derived from the lexical meaning of the adjective. When a noun marked with the -la (-le) particle functions as the predicate, the basis for the parameter is inferred through associations typical of Tuvan culture or via modifiers related to the standard of comparison, whose meanings allow for the construction of a generalized notion of the parameter. The meanings of these definitions allow a generalized idea of the base of the parameter to be constructed. Both structural varieties have variants in which the base of the parameter can be verbalized using parametric nouns such as “magnitude,” “weight,” “subtlety,” and other within an izafet construction. The particle concerned is used to express a similative relationship in subject and event comparisons, where the parameter of comparison is not always verbally expressed. It is also employed to convey unreliable implicit comparison “as if”. Furthermore, it serves to form vivid, emotionally charged, figurative stable comparisons that reflect the culturally specific concepts of the Tuvan people.

Keywords: Tuvan language, particle, comparison, comparative construction, nominal predicate, polypredicative con-struction

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