Abstract:

The article considers the problem of semantic derivation in modern English and Russian on the bases of borrowed words. There also are examined the processes following the process of semantic derivation, as well as the questions of disputable cases of derivation are raised, i.e. the problem of so called “false derivation”. The term “semantic derivation” has appeared relatively late, but the interest to the process of formation of the meaning of the word had existed long ago. A number of linguists try to distinguish between lingual and extra-lingual reasons of semantic derivation, and represent all the changes as a result of derivation by different classifications, taking into account the meaning and the form of the word. Many linguists believe that metaphor is one of the most wide-spread types of semantic derivation. Anthropocentricity of the metaphor is recognized by many linguists. Metaphor began to be treated as the key to understanding of bases and processes of forming not only national specific vision of the world, but also its universal image. It should be noted that modern research in theory of metaphor are aimed at setting some general laws of formation of figurative meanings, displayed in a lexical and semantic system of the language.

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