Desemantization of Preverbs of Local Reference in Abkhaz and Abaza Languages

Abstract

It is a generally recognized fact that in the Abkhaz and Abaza languages (as well as in the Abkhaz-Adyghe group of languages in general) the stem of the verb is very rich in elements it can consist of and is capable of differentiating and expressing various local and directional meanings. It is possible due to the use of special verbal word-formative elements - preverbs. Such preverbs can be of two main groups: the directional preverbs and the local ones (also preverbs of local reference). Among the local preverbs there is another classification according to the meaning: they can be concrete and abstract. Concrete preverbs are characterized by more specific indication to a place of action (sometimes a state), while the abstract ones have a more common meaning. Moreover, in most cases the concrete preverbs can be easily associated with the initial words they originated from. This limiting feature makes them less productive both in terms of word-formation and semantics. At the same time, due to their structural simplicity and the vague links with the initial words, the abstract preverbs are more productive and create far more opportunities for polysemic (figurative) use. This article is devoted to the process of desemantization which occurs among local preverbs, both concrete and abstract ones, realized in a verb stem. Preverbs of local reference for the most part derive from different words with certain meanings. Consequently, to a greater or lesser extent, they preserve this meaning when realized in a verbal stem. However, there are cases when local preverbs lose their local semantics and give a verb another, figurative, meaning. This process is more visible among local preverbs of abstract meaning. It is pointed out in the article that during the process of desemantization preverbs of local reference fully or partially lose their local semantics and are realized in a verb stem in the function of a word-formative element. In most cases, though we cannot speak about a total grading of a local meaning, when preverbs of local reference undergo desemantization in the stem of the verb they also lose another important preverbal function - the grammatical one.