Deminutiivid idapoolsete läänemeresoome rahvaste animistlikus keelekasutuses
Diminutives in the animistic language use of the eastern Finnic peoples

Summary/Abstract: Diminutives are significantly more used in the languages of the eastern Finnic peoples (Veps, Karelians, Ludians) than others (especially Estonians or Finns). This could be explained by the long-term influence of the Russian language, which is extremely rich in diminutives. However, there are not as many diminutives in Votian or Ingrian, which are no less influenced by Russian. In the analysis of the use of diminutives of both Russian and other languages an anthropocentric perspective dominates. In the linguistic studies, evaluative use of language, courtesy behaviour and expression of emotions have been viewed almost exclusively in terms of human-centred (interpersonal) communication. Our long-term fieldwork has shown that the worldview of the eastern Finnic peoples is still heavily influenced by animistic cognition of nature and corresponding beliefs and linked to related behavioural practices and speech acts. The peoples of northern Eurasia, whose worldview is dominated by animistic ontology, are characterized by relatively restrained, non-emotional self-expression, which has to do with caution about the world of spirits. People do not talk about their feelings and plans; they also avoid giving assessments, making compliments, and praising others. Diminutives, as a phenomenon generally related to assessments and emotions, must have another function here. Based on our experience, we assume that this is related to an animistic worldview, leaning toward caution rather than an overflow of emotion. Diminutives express respect and attentiveness, which are addressed to the non-human world and are not in the service of anthropocentric self-centeredness. They are linked to a survival strategy, but from a different perspective.

• Details
• Contents