Features of the Formation of Negatonyms (Based on M. Shruba's "Dictionary of Pseudonyms of Russian Emigrants in Europe (1917–1945)")

The object of this study is negatonyms (negative pseudonyms) of authors from the first wave of Russian emigration in the 20th century. Negatonyms represent a type of pseudonym whose meaning essentially amounts to the negation of what is named by their base. The material for the study consists of negatonyms included in M. Shruba's "Dictionary of Pseudonyms of Russian Emigrants in Europe (1917–1945)." This source includes approximately 9,800 pseudonyms, from which 71 negatonyms were identified. The subject of the research is the peculiarities of the formation of negative pseudonyms, which include the methods and means of their formation (including the producing bases and derivators), types of motivation (determined by the typical lexical meanings of the producing bases of negatonyms), as well as word-formation models (productive and unproductive) used in the formation of negative pseudonyms. The analysis employs a descriptive research method (units of description are distinguished, their properties and characteristics are defined, facts are generalized, and their interpretation is provided). The study identifies the methods and means of formation, spelling peculiarities, and types of motivation for both one-word and multi-word negatonyms. A comparative analysis allows for determining the most productive models. Two peculiarities of negatonyms used by authors of the first wave of emigration between 1917 and 1940 are noted: 1) the meanings of many negative pseudonyms are linked to the realization of the concept of "own" vs. "their" with most pseudonyms reflecting the author's sense of foreignness to the "new world," positioning themselves as someone who does not consider themselves part of it; 2) the political views of the author are regularly indicated—either affiliation with a particular party or, conversely, apoliticality. The study also finds that negatonyms allow authors to demonstrate their creativity in coinage, utilizing various language-play mechanisms.

anthroponyms, pseudonyms, negatonyms, M. Shruba's Dictionary, word formation, generating bases, semantic motivation, own and their, language game, paragraphemics