Semantic and functional features of diminutive word formation in women’s speech

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the semantic and functional features of derivatives-diminutives in women’s speech using the material of Internet communication in forums. The paper considers the characteristics of the use of derivatives-diminutives in the speech of the participants communicating in forums. The conditions for the concrete realisation of certain types of meanings of diminutive suffixes in a gender-specific context are also revealed. In the course of the study, the connection between socially organised pragmatic meanings and the functioning of diminutive suffixes has been determined for the first time in order to identify a possible interpretation of women’s tendency to use diminutive forms and their role in gender construction, which accounts for the scientific novelty of this study. As a result of the study, it has been found that in women’s speech, the semantic and functional features of diminutive word formation are closely related to the need to construct women’s social role. In women’s speech, these features most often serve as a way of expressing a positive assessment of the speaker, they convey a positive attitude towards the addressee or referent and are used for marking, forming a personal sphere.