No 8 (2025)
Articles
New poetics of French prose and its perception in Russian translation
Abstract
The object of the study is the new poetics of French prose of the late 19th — first half of the 20th century and its functioning in the system of Russian translation. The focus is on texts in which the artistic effect is created not so much by the plot composition, but through the syntactic structure, rhythmic organization and intonational heterogeneity. The study is based on the works of such authors as Marcel Proust and André Gide, whose texts are dominated by extended periods, grammatical deviations from the norm, associative logic of the statement and elements of "inner speech". These features complicate translation from French into Russian, where the focus on logical completeness, clarity of syntax and normative design of the text traditionally prevails. In this regard, translation is considered as a form of secondary poetics, capable of both preserving and transforming the original structure. The methodological basis of the study is a linguistic and comparative translation analysis of the original and translation with an emphasis on syntactic-intonational transformations, as well as elements of the functional and rhythmic approaches. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the emphasis is not on the lexical-semantic, but on the rhythmic-syntactic aspects of translating a literary text. The main conclusions of the analysis are as follows: the structure of the utterance plays the role of a poetic category in modernist prose, and in Russian translation these elements are often simplified or leveled. A special contribution of the author is the identification of patterns of adaptation of intonational and rhythmic structures in interlingual translation. The main conclusions of the conducted analysis are the following: the structure of the utterance plays the role of a poetic category in modernist prose, while in Russian translation these elements are often simplified or leveled. The author's special contribution is the identification of patterns of adaptation of intonation and rhythmic structures in interlingual translation.
Litera. 2025;(8):1-9
1-9
Difficulties of corpus research of conditional constructions (on the material of Chinese and Russian languages)
Abstract
A corpus study is an important step in examining word combinations and how they are used in different types of sentences. However, corpus data do not always fully reflect the peculiarities of word usage due to difficulties in interpreting context and determining the speaker's intention, because it is difficult to interpret the context and determine a communicative intention of the speaker. This problem is particularly noticeable in the study of Chinese conditionals. This is the research subject of this paper. To understand how Chinese conditional constructions are used and how regularly they occur in speech, linguists rely on data from foreign language corpora. Nevertheless, despite all the convenience, users have to face certain problems when analysing words and, mainly, collocations. The main purpose is to present four issues related to using BCC corpus (Beijing Language and Culture University corpus) and CCL corpus (Centre for Chinese Linguistics of Peking University corpus) to analyse conditional constructions. The problems were considered by searching words and their combinations. To compare search mechanisms in different language corpora, we use the data from the Russian National Corpus. According to results of the research the usage of Chinese corpora requires great care. Today these sources are poorly researched as they are used by researchers with intermediate and advanced levels. The researchers mostly include sinologists, orientalists or translators from and into Chinese. Hence, the scientific novelty of the study lies in outlining the difficulties that may arise when researching examples of Chinese sentences in corpus search. The study has shown that the use of Chinese corpora requires more care than the Russian National Corpus.
Litera. 2025;(8):10-19
10-19
Graphic Simplification of Chinese Characters in China and Japan: A Comparative Analysis Based on the Jōyō Kanji List
Abstract
The article presents a comparative analysis of kanji from the 2010 edition of the Japanese jōyō kanjihyō (常用漢字表, “List of Commonly Used Characters”) that were modified during Japan’s script simplification reform and the simplified characters of modern Standard Chinese (Putonghua). The study focuses on the simplified forms of characters, examining similarities and differences in their modern graphical structures in both languages. Through the identification of shared and divergent graphemes, the author proposes a classification of characters grouped by common principles of simplification in comparison with their Chinese equivalents. A distinctive feature of this analysis is the systematic comparison of kanji with their Chinese counterparts, rather than treating them in isolation. The research conducts a comparative typology of Japanese and Chinese characters, categorizing kanji into seven groups based on their correlation with simplified Chinese forms. The analysis reveals that approximately 4% of simplified Chinese characters are identical in form to their Japanese counterparts, indicating a limited yet notable influence of Japanese script reform on Chinese. Out of 2136 characters in the Japanese list, 360 were simplified, with only 90 matching Chinese simplified forms—amounting to 4.21%. Most Japanese simplifications differ from the Chinese or were developed independently. The Chinese reform was more comprehensive, affecting even radical components, whereas Japanese simplifications typically retained traditional radicals. Despite the graphical reductions, both writing systems preserved semantic recognizability, reinforcing the concept of the character as a bearer of meaning rather than mere form. This finding opens new avenues for exploring the cognitive perception of characters among native users of Chinese and Japanese.
Litera. 2025;(8):20-43
20-43
Comparative analysis of the representation of Russia in the media discourse of the USA and South Africa
Abstract
The article is dedicated to comparative analysis of the representation of Russia in the media discourse of the United States and South Africa, taking into account the political, economic, and cultural differences between these countries. The study focuses on the linguopragmatic characteristics used in American and South African media texts to represent Russia. The goal of the study is to identify and compare the linguistic and discursive features of the representation of Russia in the media landscapes of the USA and South Africa that shape the perception of Russia in these countries. The relevance of the study lies in the key role of mass media in shaping public opinion and international perception, particularly in the context of complex geopolitical relations. The article emphasizes the analysis of evaluative language means used to form the image of Russia. The methodological basis of the study includes content analysis, discourse analysis, and comparative analysis. The study material consists of news articles and analytical publications from leading American and South African mass media from 2022 to 2025. Within this study, evaluative language is analyzed at multiple levels (lexical, grammatical, and stylistic), allowing for the identification of a broad range of language means used to express positive or negative attitudes toward Russia. The scientific novelty of the research lies in its comparative analysis of evaluative strategies in shaping the image of Russia in the media discourse of the United States and South Africa. The study results will contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the formation of media image of Russia and help develop practical recommendations for improving communication strategies and countering negative stereotypes about Russia. These insights can be applied in state policy, media communications, and education. The conclusions may be of use for specialists in linguistics, media studies, political science, and international relations who are interested in fostering a positive and objective media image of Russia.
Litera. 2025;(8):44-56
44-56
The theme of memory and ways of its embodiment in M. Yefetov's story "Letter on the Shell"
Abstract
The article explores the theme of memory and its realization in the novella "Letter on the Shell" by Mark Semyonovich Efetov. Different types of memory are identified: personal and collective, individually significant and socio-oriented, cultural, historical, etc. Various ways of realizing this theme are examined: in precedent names (Alexander Pushkin, Fyodor Shalyapin, Mikhail Shchepkin, Zinovy Solovyov, etc.), symbolic images (the sea, Artek, Ayu-Dag, Adalary, etc.), significant objects, visualizations of phenomena, ideas, Crimean myths and legends, etc. The archetypal nature and role of the author's filling of the images of the characters in Efetov's novella are revealed, leading to important moral and ethical postulates. This work emphasizes themes of communication within families, friendship groups, personal relationships, as well as issues related to overcoming grievances and restoring friendships for the sake of a common cause. The article employs comparative, hermeneutic, and comparative-typological research methods to reflect on these aspects. Using a systemic approach, it provides an analytical study of the ways of understanding the theme of memory and its realization. The novelty of the study is determined by the timeliness of the article, whose significance is based on the importance of the identified problems, as well as the relevance to contemporary adolescents and the practically unexplored material of research, which is Efetov's novella "Letter on the Shell." For the first time, this work explores the theme of historical, cultural, and moral memory embedded in the history of the famous pioneer camp, in the history of Russia, and in the history of human civilization, traced from antiquity to the second half of the 20th century. The children's camp is understood as a keeper and witness of important historical events, a transmitter of the moral laws of human existence, and an educator of a new generation of children. The article is timed to coincide with the centenary of Artek and the eightieth anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War. The prospect of the research is the further exploration of the theme of memory in works related both to the Crimean text (the works of A. Gaidar, E. Ilyina, L. Kassil, M. Polyanovsky, etc.) and to the vacation novella in general (the works of Yu. Kuznetsova, T. Mikheeva, etc.).
Litera. 2025;(8):57-66
57-66
Corporate Citizen as a Subject of Social Architecture: An Analysis of the Russian Digital Mediascene
Abstract
The article is dedicated to the study of the phenomenon of corporate citizens as a key subject of social architecture in the context of the digitalization of social relations. The author examines the transformation of the role of large businesses in modern Russia, where state-owned companies (such as Gazprom Neft, Gazprom, Russian Railways, and Norilsk Nickel) actively shape new models of interaction between business, government, and society through the implementation of social projects. Special attention is paid to analyzing how the digital media space becomes a platform for constructing the public image of corporations and promoting their social initiatives. The subject of the research is the activities of corporate citizens in the field of social architecture, manifested in the Russian digital media space. The paper provides a detailed analysis of specific projects and initiatives from companies such as Gazprom Neft, Gazprom, Russian Railways, OMK, and Norilsk Nickel, which are implemented within the framework of their social responsibility. The main focus is on how these corporations create sustainable communicative configurations, engaging local communities and stakeholders in collaborative activities. The methodological basis includes a socio-constructivist approach to the mediatized society, as well as data analysis from the social media monitoring system Brandanalytics for companies like Gazprom Neft, Gazprom, Russian Railways, OMK, and Norilsk Nickel, among others, during the period from December 2024 to February 2025. The results of the research show that the projects with the greatest resonance and engagement are those related to supporting education, culture, and infrastructure. The leader in audience engagement was Gazprom Neft's project – the intellectual tournament for high school students titled "Multiplying Talents," which generated significant resonance in the media space. Other popular initiatives included, for example, New Year's decorations in cities, exhibitions, educational programs, and support for social entrepreneurs. The author emphasizes that effective social architecture requires not only financial investments but also intentional design, including communication strategies that take into account the demands of society, authorities, and media strategy. Corporate citizens, acting as social architects, contribute to the formation of a unified socio-political space, strengthening connections between business, government, and society.
Litera. 2025;(8):67-82
67-82
Linguistic and ideological features of the modern American pre-election political media discourse
Abstract
The article considers pre-election discourse as a type of communicative activity that has a well-defined structure, depends on many extralinguistic factors and performs a number of tasks aimed at winning elections. The object of this study is the American pre-election media discourse as a kind of political discourse with specific features associated with its mass information nature. The subject of the work is the linguistic and ideological features implemented in the strategies and tactics used in the political election campaign. The speaker's intentions in the plane of real communication with voters are realized through carefully planned strategies and tactics aimed at the voter, the opponent and the candidate himself, which politicians actualize using various linguistic means. The article presents the reasons for the increased interest of modern researchers in political communication, as well as the subject, functions and purpose of political election discourse. The following research methods were used in the study: discursive analysis, linguistic and pragmatic analysis, quantitative and interpretative analysis. The selection of empirical material was carried out through the auxiliary method of continuous sampling, the main criterion for limitation was the time frame for the implementation of election campaigns in 2024. The research material on the topic of American elections is new, reflects contradictions within modern American society and illustrates the linguistic and ideological features of the 2024 election campaign. The political election discourse of the United States is pragmatically conditioned, and the use of signs belonging to various semiotic systems corresponds to certain political goals. The choice of a communication strategy depends on the intentions of the speaker, the target audience, and the situation in the country. Choosing the means of influence, American politicians use proven experience over the years, actively attract myths about the national idea, unity, and elitism of the American nation, promote images of determined leaders, and appeal to established democratic values. We see the practical value of the obtained results and the main provisions of the study in the possibility of their application in: the development of special courses in discoursology, neology and pragmalinguistics.
Litera. 2025;(8):83-91
83-91
Mental models of political values in the language of modern youth
Abstract
The empirical embodiment of the culturally and historically contextualized experiences of native speakers is of particular interest during periods of social upheaval. Within cognitive linguistics, this entails the study of conscious awareness and the linguistic embodiment of the subjective experience of social events and facts that have occurred or are occurring in a specific historical period. This study focuses on the cognitive frames present in the language of modern youth, which reflect the political values of contemporary Russian culture. The object of investigation is political media discourse, which exerts a direct influence on the linguistic embodiment of values in youth language. The aim of this research is to identify the cognitive frames of political values within the language of modern Russian youth, thereby providing a context for understanding their specific linguistic manifestations. The article presents new data on the use of political framing in the linguistic constructions of political discourse within the modern youth environment. The method of mental models was employed to analyze cognitive and political metaphors; cognitive framing techniques were used to examine the relationship between lexical constructions in youth language; and description in the context of linguopragmatics was applied to analyze frame structures expressing political values. Particular attention is given to the qualitative analysis of descriptions of political value meanings obtained through student surveys. Cognitive and communicative frames, as well as occasionalisms in youth language relating to political values, and their modes of formation, are identified and analyzed. This work elucidates how political values are formed in youth language around social facts not directly related to politics, and why such values often emerge as political occasionalisms. The scientific novelty of the study lies in demonstrating the decisive role of communication systems and information processing methods in shaping the meanings of political values in contemporary youth language. It is shown that while young people actively engage with political events, manipulative practices in political discourse aimed at diverting attention from core issues, limited political experience, and the influence of borrowed vocabulary contribute to the formation of metaphors and occasionalisms. Blending is identified as the predominant mechanism of formation, enabling the mixing of non-political meanings alongside emotionally intensifying frames by combining them with cognitively simple concepts of traditional values. The study confirms that cognitive frames are constructed through simple, single-level values to economize decision-making about value choice, and also reflect the limited linguistic resources available for expressing value meanings. The findings have potential applications in both theoretical research aimed at refining theories of mental modeling and in practical political discourse strategies tailored to youth audiences.
Litera. 2025;(8):92-102
92-102
Word-Formation Processes of Occasional Neologisms in the Political Discourse of Modern Greek: Nomination of Party Representatives and Their Supporters
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of neologisms in the political discourse of Modern Greek derived from the names of political parties, organizations and associations to denote their members and supporters. This work analyzes word-formation models, semantics and pragmatics of these lexemes and also their role in political communication. The process of suffixation, identified as the method of formation for these lexemes, is a highly frequent phenomenon of word formation which appears as the theme of several works dedicated to the morphology and word formation of the lexemes in Modern Greek. The research material includes 57 lexemes-neologisms identified through working with electronic text corpora and websites of Greek print media. Morphological analysis of the neologisms based on D. Corbin’s derivation model is used in the study, which allows us to analyze the structure and explain semantic similarities and differences between derived neologisms, predict meanings that potentially emerge while using specific morphological structures and demonstrate the degree of realization of each lexical element. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the systematic analysis of neologisms within the political discourse of Modern Greek, which have not previously been recorded in dictionaries of Modern Greek. As a result we find out the most productive formants, the primary source for derivation appears to be abbreviations, the main word formation methods are clipping and truncation, graphic variations and letter-loss during affixation. Feminine lexemes are most commonly formed by using the suffix – ισσα, less frequently – η and – α, reflecting a broader process of feminization in Modern Greek word formation system. The results of the work confirm that neologisms in political discourse are indicators of language dynamism and their morphological analysis is a valuable tool for studying the evolution of Modern Greek word formation and sociolinguistic processes.
Litera. 2025;(8):103-115
103-115
Semantic-Functional Features of Emotive Verbs of Anger in Mongolian Languages
Abstract
The study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the structure and development of verbal vocabulary in Mongolian languages, particularly in relation to emotiveness. The study is relevant due to the anthropocentric orientation of linguistics and the limited understanding of the issues related to emotiveness in Mongolian languages. The research draws upon linguistic material from lexicographic sources and corpora of national languages. Using various methods including analysis and synthesis of empirical material, descriptive analysis, and structural methods, the study identifies the semantic-functional characteristics of the ANGER verbs. The findings reveal that verbs with the meaning "get angry" in Mongolian languages form a complex microsystem consisting of a base verb bur. uurlakha “to be angry”/mong. urlah “to be angry, angry; get irritated; be angry; to be indignant” / kalm. uurlkh “to be angry” and five distinct lexical-semantic groups: emotional state, formation of emotional state, emotional attitude, emotional impact and external expression on emotion. These verbs share a common lexical-categorical aspect and exhibit synonymy and polysemy within their respective groups. While the representation of anger in the Mongolian languages is similar, cultural and historical factors contribute to slight variations. Moreover, the study identifies that verbs and substantive-verb combinations with the meaning "get angry" have a figurative internal structure, providing insights into the nature, reactions, and intensity of anger manifestation. This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the functional and semantic development of verbal vocabulary in Mongolian languages. The findings have implications for lexicography, linguoculturology, psycholinguistics, and related fields. The study provides valuable insight into how anger is expressed through verb forms in Mongolian languages. The information obtained from the study contributes to a more detailed description of the structure and functional development of verbal vocabulary.
Litera. 2025;(8):116-126
116-126
Morphological features of the Romanian language in the 16th—17th centuries (based on Codex Neagoeanus, 1620)
Abstract
This article is dedicated to the description of the morphological features of the Romanian language of the 16th-17th centuries, using the manuscript Codex Neagoeanus as an example. The subject of the research is a comprehensive morphological analysis of the manuscript monument "Codex Neagoeanus" (ms. rom. 3821, Romanian Academy Library), dated to the beginning of the 17th century. This codex represents a characteristic collection of religious and folk texts (cărți populare) typical for Romanian culture of the 16th-17th centuries, including translations of a popular romance, a didactic treatise, a brief nomocanon, and works of astrological literature. The study focuses on a systematic description and classification of archaic and variable morphological features of the Romanian language recorded in the texts of the codex. Special attention is given to those features that demonstrate the transitional nature of the language of this era, which is at the intersection of the old Latin tradition and the active influence of Slavic languages, as well as the process of establishing future literary norms. The analysis is conducted using material from all significant parts of speech: nouns, adjectives, verbs, pronouns, and adverbs. The main research method is a comprehensive morphological analysis aimed at identifying and classifying characteristic archaic and innovative elements in the morphological system of the writing monument. Paleographic analysis methods are also employed. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the first detailed and systematic linguistic analysis of Codex Neagoeanus, which introduces new factual material into scientific circulation. Key conclusions include the following: the morphological system of the codex is characterized by extreme variability and the absence of a stable norm, which is manifested in the coexistence of archaic (ending -u for masculine nouns, obsolete forms of the perfect tense) and innovative (periphrastic conditional) forms. It has been established that phonetic processes (e.g., diphthong contraction ea) directly influenced verb conjugation paradigms. An important conclusion is the demonstration of the deep integral influence of Slavic languages, expressed not only in lexical borrowings but also in the active use of Slavic word formation models (suffixes -enie, -nie, prefix ne-) to create new words based on Latin and Greek roots. Thus, the codex serves as a vivid testimony to the complex and multifaceted state of the Romanian language in the early period.
Litera. 2025;(8):127-137
127-137
From tradition to digital: A study on the international communication strategy of Nezha's image
Abstract
In 2019, the animated film Nezha: The Devil Child Comes into the World became a cultural phenomenon in China, breaking domestic box office records with earnings exceeding 5 billion yuan. The release of its sequel in 2025 further advanced the global dissemination and reimagining of the Nezha character, marking a pivotal moment in the international communication of Chinese cultural IP. This paper takes these two films as primary case studies to examine the evolution of Nezha's image in the digital media environment and to analyze the strategies employed in cross-cultural transmission. Drawing on theories of cultural adaptation and digital communication, the study identifies two core aesthetic and narrative techniques – “cuteness reshaping” and “pain-point grafting” – that enable traditional mythological symbols to be emotionally and visually accessible to global audiences. Simultaneously, the rise of digital platforms such as Douyin, Weibo, WeChat Video Account, and YouTube has significantly reshaped the dissemination pathways of Chinese animated content. Through algorithmic recommendation systems and the widespread participation of users in content creation (UGC), these platforms have enabled bottom-up amplification and transmedia storytelling of the Nezha mythos.Тhe study also reveals a dual reception effect among overseas audiences. While the films garner surface-level attention and entertainment value, deeper layers of Chinese cultural context are often misunderstood, ignored, or misrepresented. To address this challenge, the paper proposes a theoretical model of “dynamic layering,” which consists of three interrelated dimensions: the content layer (visual and symbolic restructuring), the platform layer (distribution mechanics and algorithmic engagement), and the audience layer (cross-cultural interpretation and reception). This model offers a practical framework for improving the international communication strategies of traditional cultural IP, with particular relevance to the animation and creative industries. The findings highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to globalizing Chinese mythological figures, one that balances market appeal with cultural authenticity in the age of algorithm-driven digital media.
Litera. 2025;(8):138-155
138-155
Emotive Vocabulary with Semantics of Courage and Fear in A. S. Pushkin’s "The Tales of Ivan Belkin"
Abstract
The subject of the study is the lexical means of expressing the emotions of courage and fear in A. S. Pushkin’s cycle "The Tales of Ivan Belkin". The semantics and functioning of these lexical units in the artistic text are analyzed, based on 93 identified contexts. Particular attention is paid to identifying the connection between lexical choice (courage, timidity, fearing) and the social status of characters (nobility and "the little people"), gender characteristics (cheerful courage for men, fainting for women), and situational factors. The role of context in the formation of emotional meanings and their classification into 7 functional-semantic groups according to L. G. Babenko (emotional state, emotional quality, external expression of emotion, etc.) is investigated, encompassing both direct emotion nominations (courage, timidity) and indirect markers manifested through physiological reactions (trembling, turning pale, with bated breath). The methods of contextual and statistical analysis, and functional-semantic classification are used. The methodological basis is the system of L. G. Babenko (7 groups of emotional vocabulary) and the principles of lexicography. The scientific novelty lies in the first systematic analysis of the opposition "courage" – "fear" in A. S. Pushkin through the prism of lexical semantics. It has been established that the dominance of the vocabulary of cowardice (79 cases, e.g., fearing, becoming timid) over that of boldness (14 cases, e.g., bravery, cheerful courage) reflects the author's understanding of human weaknesses as deviations from the norm. Gender asymmetry has been identified: men express their courage through direct nominations (heroic, hero), while women express it contextually through physiological reactions (turning pale, trembling). Social specificity has been discovered: fear of the upper classes is encoded by the verbs to be afraid and not to dare. It has been proven that fear is situational (e.g., timidity acts as a "floating emotion" dependent on context), while courage transforms (physical → moral). These findings are significant for psycholinguistics and the interpretation of Russian classics.
Litera. 2025;(8):156-169
156-169
Information support of the university's activities as a tool for implementing regional policy based on the example of the Republic of Tatarstan
Abstract
The article is dedicated to the analysis of the regional component in the information policy of leading universities in the Republic of Tatarstan and the potential of their own communication channels to achieve the goals of regional policy. The subject of the research is the information policy of the universities of the Republic of Tatarstan, including Kazan Federal University, Kazan National Research Technological University, and Kazan State Power Engineering University. Special attention is paid to the regional aspect in the content of articles on official websites and social media pages. The aim of the work is to identify the role of university communication channels in implementing regional state policy. The basis of the research is content analysis of publications from January to May 2025 on official websites, university pages on the social network VK, and the messaging app Telegram. Particular attention is given to the frequency and context of the use of regional markers ("Tatarstan," "Republic," "President," "Policy," "Grants," "Ministry," derivatives of the word "State," and various programs to support youth initiatives), which on average appear in 10% of the studied posts. The work confirms the close interrelationship between the information policies of universities and the regional agenda, emphasizing their significance as key actors in shaping the educational, scientific, and social environment of Tatarstan. The main methods of research are quantitative and qualitative content analysis of materials from regional universities published on official websites and social media groups. The novelty of the research lies in identifying the role of communication channels of regional universities as a tool for informing about implemented programs and support measures relevant to students and teachers. The official websites, social networks, and messaging apps of universities are integrated into the electronic government system as an additional point of contact with a specific target audience. The published materials perform both informative and stimulating functions, allowing for achieving higher values on key regional performance indicators, such as the Human Development Index (HDI). Based on the analysis conducted, a political component was found in an average of 10% of publications related to Tatarstan universities, and specific features of the information policies of the studied universities were discovered, which stem from both the specifics of the training areas and the internal culture and values of the university.
Litera. 2025;(8):170-179
170-179
Contrastive analysis of the synthetic nature of comparative and superlative forms in the Czech and Russian languages
Abstract
This article presents an experience of corpus analysis of comparative and superlative forms of ten most frequent qualitative adjectives in the Czech and Russian languages across the period from 1990 to 2019. The investigation is focused at determining the characteristic features of the gradation of Czech adjectives against the common Slavic background. The goal of the study is to establish the degree of syntheticity of the Czech language by comparing frequencies of simple and complex forms of degrees of comparison in Czech and Russian written discourses. The subject of the study is the frequency of use of such forms, represented by the grammatical category of comparative degrees. The research methodology includes the functional and systemic methods developed by the Soviet school of Bohemian studies, as well as the contrastive method described in the works of A. G. Shirokova and Vl. Barnet. In addition, corpus tools of linguistic research were used to analyze the language material. The investigation is based on the material of the balanced corpora of Czech written texts SYN and the National Corpus of the Russian Language. Due to the application of large language models in linguistic analysis, and the current lack of accurate information on the relationship between synthetic and analytical comparatives and superlatives in the Slavic languages, the study is considered to be relevant. The corpus analysis revealed a significant difference in the frequency of use of analytical forms like více důležitý/более важный “more important”, nejvíce mladý/самый молодой “the youngest” in the Czech and Russian languages: 0.023% versus 10.396%. This confirms the hypothesis about the synthetic nature of the gradation of the qualitative degree of Czech adjectives.
Litera. 2025;(8):180-189
180-189
On the Genre Specificity of the Graphic Novel
Abstract
The article explores the genre nature of the graphic novel as a unique narrative form that emerged at the intersection of literary and comic traditions, occupying a special place in the contemporary literary process. The object of study is the graphic novel as a graphic-literary genre, combining the structural complexity and thematic depth of the novel with the grammatical tools of comics. The subject of the article is the genre specificity of the graphic novel in terms of its compliance with the criteria of the novel genre accepted in modern literary studies (primarily in the works of M.M. Bakhtin and N.D. Tamarchenko). The aim of the work is to identify and systematize the genre characteristics of the graphic novel, as well as to critically reassess its initial genre labeling based on the materials of the graphic novels "A Contract with God" by W. Eisner, "Maus" by A. Spiegelman, "Watchmen" by A. Moore and D. Gibbons, and "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns" by F. Miller. The methodological foundation includes the works of M.M. Bakhtin and N.D. Tamarchenko dedicated to the genre characteristics of the novel, as well as the works of V.I. Tyupa on genre categories and narrative strategy. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the poetological analysis of the genre nature of graphic novels, which not only established this genre definition for a broad audience but also took on the role of a standard for the further development of genre identity in the field of visual narratives. The results of the study show that the graphic novel is formed at the intersection of a wordless novel and comics: from the former, it borrows the depth of thematic issues, focus on historical experience, and individual fate; from the latter, the grammar of visual storytelling, compositional techniques, and the dialogue between word and image. The poetics of the novel manifest in the verbal-visual synthesis through motif organization, graphical transformation, and the counterpoint of inserted texts. The chronotope of the unfinished present is expressed through the comparison of graphic styles, the dialogicity of spatial-temporal plans, and the openness of the ending, while the zone of contact is conveyed through the artistic organization of autobiographical material and the limitations of superhero discourse. The genre synthetic nature of the graphic novels discussed demonstrates the realization of novelistic nature in a hybrid sign system.
Litera. 2025;(8):190-209
190-209
Colonial Vietnam through the Eyes of Europeans in the novel by Vietnamese writer Nguyen Suan Khanh «Mother – Mistress of Mountains and Forests»
Abstract
The subject of the research is the historical novel by Vietnamese writer Nguyen Suan Khanh (1933–2021) "Mother – Mistress of the Mountains and Forests," published in 2005, which describes the sociocultural context of a Vietnamese village at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. One of the key issues of the work is the interaction between France and Vietnam during the period of French colonial conquest. "Mother – Mistress of the Mountains and Forests" occupies a significant place in contemporary Vietnamese literature as a novel that reflects on historical trauma and cultural continuity through the lens of folkloric archetypes, mythological consciousness, and popular beliefs. The work reflects the crisis of traditional religious and philosophical doctrines—Buddhism and Confucianism—against the backdrop of colonial expansion. An important theme of the novel is the perception of colonial Vietnam through the eyes of Europeans. The methodological basis of the research includes a comparative analysis and a cultural-historical approach, which allow for the identification of the peculiarities of the depiction of colonial Vietnam from the European perspective. Two types of European characters have been identified. The first type is characterized by Eurocentric, colonial thinking and a desire to "civilize" the local population. The second type demonstrates respect for Vietnamese culture and seeks dialogue. Their opposition, evaluative judgments, authorial remarks, and narrative decisions have made it possible to reconstruct the author's position regarding the relationship between Vietnam and its former metropolis, as well as the colonial past of the country from the perspective of contemporary Vietnamese identity. The novelty of the work lies in the postcolonial reading of the novel, which goes beyond the binary model of "metropolis – colony." The work itself has not been translated into other languages and is being introduced into scientific discourse for the first time in domestic literary studies. The conclusions drawn may be useful in the field of comparative literature and the study of postcolonial processes in Southeast Asian literature.
Litera. 2025;(8):210-222
210-222
The competition of journalistic skills "Siberia.ABOUT": seventeen years of the history of the Siberian media
Abstract
Despite the relatively little attention paid in the Russian scientific literature to competitions of professional skills of journalists, we consider it possible to assert that referring to this kind of material can be of great value, since it reflects examples of high-quality journalistic work. "Siberia.PRO" was first held in 2006, so it represents an almost twenty-year chronicle of regional domestic journalism. "Siberia.PRO" is supported by the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Siberian Federal District. From 2006 to 2023 inclusive, more than 670 media outlets and over 4,000 journalists participated in the project. The purpose of this interregional competition is to promote the positive experience of cooperation between authorities, business and the media within the framework of socio-economic development programs implemented in the Siberian Federal District. That is, the theme of the contest's nominations corresponds to the main directions of the country's development and often correlates with the President's message to the Federal Assembly. This scientific study presents the fixation and analysis of the Siberian media that won the interregional competition of journalistic excellence "Siberia.ABOUT" from 2006 to 2023 The article reflects the transformation of the nominations "Siberia.ABOUT" as a reflection of the changing state tasks assigned to regional media, it allowed us to see the topics that are perceived as the most deserving of awards. The work done made it possible to identify the media of ten regions of the Siberian Federal District, which became winners in different years "Siberia.ABOUT". And since the significant transformation of the Russian media system caused by the events of 2022 raises the question of fixing the state of regional media both at a turning point and in historical retrospect of the last two decades, such "mapping" allows us to identify examples of media that best coped with covering topics important to the state. The content of these media can be further analyzed in journalism classes at universities or become an empirical basis for analysis in the framework of scientific work to identify the features of the regional media discourse.
Litera. 2025;(8):223-233
223-233
Media of SEMAS countries: challenges and solutions in the context of the contemporary media landscape of the African continent.
Abstract
This study is dedicated to the analysis of the current state and issues facing the media of the member states of the Central African regional organization CEMAC. The aim of the research is to analyze the current situation in the media space of the CEMAC member states, which is an integral part of the African media landscape. The object of the study is African media (south of the Sahara), and the subject of the study is the media of the CEMAC member states. The authors intend to examine the media in Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of Congo, identifying their similarities and differences in the regional and African context. The authors also consider the tasks facing CEMAC structures for improving the media in the region and propose practical steps for developing CEMAC's information policy, new initiatives in international cooperation that meet the demands of the modern multipolar world. The methodology of this study includes methods of scientific generalization, scientific observation, critical analysis of media texts, and statistical data analysis. The works of Russian, African, and Western authors dedicated to the problems of media on the African continent and the Central African region, as well as accessible media texts from the region, government documents from the countries in the region, documents from international organizations, and statistical data bases were examined. The scientific novelty of the research is due to the lack of specific works in Russian scientific literature dedicated to the media of CEMAC countries. The authors established that the Central African organization CEMAC is currently focused on regional economic integration; however, achieving success in this area requires more attention to coordinating efforts to develop the regional media environment. The uneven development of traditional media, varying levels of development in digital media, the hegemony of leading Western media giants in the media environment of the region's countries, information sovereignty, and information security are the problems of the modern era that CEMAC member states must overcome. The authors recommend that the CEMAC regional organization develop a more articulated policy in the field of media in the region, which necessitates the establishment of a special coordinating body within the organization's leadership structures to develop a unified strategy for addressing tasks aimed at improving the regional media environment. Cooperation with Russia within the framework of the "Russia-Africa" summits and closer ties with BRICS countries could facilitate the creation of platforms for addressing media challenges facing CEMAC member states.
Litera. 2025;(8):234-246
234-246
Formation of National Image in the Coverage of Chinese-Russian Economic Relations: The Case of People’s Daily
Abstract
The subject of this research is the formation and transformation of China’s national image in both English-language and Chinese media, based on the coverage of Sino-Russian economic and foreign policy relations in outlets such as People’s Daily, The New York Times, and Financial Times. The object of analysis includes discursive strategies, linguistic and stylistic features, and ideological emphases used in media texts reflecting the dynamics of bilateral cooperation, geopolitical alliances, and global challenges. The author closely examines how China's media representation aligns with the concept of "soft power," mechanisms of legitimizing foreign policy, and the strategic goals of public diplomacy. Special attention is given to the contrast between the positive, proactive narrative of People’s Daily, which portrays China as a reliable partner and architect of a just world order, and the critical, constrained tone of English-language media, which tend to emphasize risks, ambiguity, and strategic contradictions. The methodology combines elements of media linguistics, critical discourse analysis, and a cognitive-pragmatic approach to political and informational texts. The scientific novelty lies in the comparative analysis of China's image construction within oppositional media ecosystems Chinese and Western amid global geopolitical turbulence. For the first time, the author undertakes a comparative examination of media discourse through specific case studies related to the Sino-Russian strategic partnership, using both domestic and international sources. The study finds that People’s Daily employs rhetoric of positive integration and the “shared future for mankind,” while The New York Times and Financial Times apply distancing strategies and implicit critique, highlighting the limitations and risks of the partnership. The conclusions contribute to the fields of media linguistics, political image studies, and transnational communication, demonstrating the pivotal role of linguistic mechanisms in shaping public opinion and a nation’s international reputation.
Litera. 2025;(8):247-259
247-259
New Year's Table in Russian and Chinese Linguocultures
Abstract
The subject of the research is the New Year's table as a significant component of the linguistic and cultural space in Russian and Chinese traditions. The object of the study includes linguistic means, symbolism of festive dishes, phraseological constructions, and communicative practices that reflect national concepts of happiness, abundance, and family values. The author examines in detail aspects of the topic such as the semantics and etymology of dish names, the role of metaphors, homonymy, and sound associations in shaping the festive worldview, as well as behavioral and ritual characteristics related to the holiday meal. Special attention is given to stable expressions, toasts, and wishes entrenched in the language and culture of both countries. The study considers both modern lexical and semantic manifestations and historical and cultural prerequisites of the symbolism of the New Year's feast, which allows for the identification of universal and specific features of Russian and Chinese linguistic cultures. The research materials included data from Russian ethnolinguistic dictionaries, Chinese philosophical treatises ("Li Ji"), media texts, as well as culinary and phraseological sources from both cultures. The methodological foundation consists of contrastive linguistic and cultural analysis as well as lexical-semantic and phraseological approaches. The novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive comparison of lexical-semantic, cultural, and communicative aspects of the New Year's feast in Russian and Chinese linguistic cultures. For the first time, the festive gastronomic tradition is considered not only as an ethnographic or sociocultural phenomenon but also as a structural element of the linguistic worldview that reflects the profound values of the people through food symbols, stable expressions, and the semantics of dish names. A special contribution of the author to the research of the topic is the identification of universal (the idea of abundance, family unity, cyclical time) and unique (phonetic symbolism, taboos, structure of the meal) meanings inherent to each culture. The main conclusions of the conducted research are the propositions that the New Year's table in both traditions serves not only a utilitarian but also a sacred function; it acts as a tool for transmitting cultural memory and national values. The lexical-semantic and phraseological analysis demonstrates that the names of dishes and festive expressions have pragmatic and axiological functions, contributing to the preservation of linguistic and cultural heritage. Thus, the New Year's table serves as an important linguistic and cultural marker that shapes ideas about well-being, success, and familial harmony.
Litera. 2025;(8):260-271
260-271
Linguoaxiological assessment parameters in the discourse of sports electronic media in China and Russia.
Abstract
This article is dedicated to identifying the linguoaxiological parameters of evaluation in the discourse of sports electronic media and describing their linguocultural specificity. The aim of the study is to compare the linguoaxiological parameters of evaluation in the Chinese English-speaking and Russian discourse of sports electronic media within a linguocultural paradigm. The object of the study is the discourse of sports electronic media in the linguocultures of China and Russia. The subject of the study is the linguocultural aspect of linguoaxiological parameters of evaluation in the discourse of sports electronic media in China and Russia. The relevance of the proposed study is determined by several reasons. First, the methodology of research carried out within the framework of linguoaxiological studies corresponds to the level of development of modern linguistics and can assist in the systematic study of the implementation of the category of value and evaluation in text and discourse. Second, the deepening of the linguoaxiological analysis through comparative linguocultural studies expands the boundaries of discursive-pragmatic linguistics and contributes to contrastive linguoaxiology. Third, it is important to address the very theme of sports. Sports media discourse is characterized by a pronounced degree of evaluative nature, expressiveness, and ideological coloring. The main methods of research included the method of linguoaxiological interpretation, linguocultural analysis, discourse analysis, and statistical data processing methods. The novelty of the research lies in the development of a specified model of linguoaxiological parameters. Conclusions: it is noted that the high evaluative saturation of Russian and Chinese sports electronic media is a universal characteristic in sports discourse. It is proven that Russian sports electronic media discourse emphasizes objectivity and analytical comprehension of ongoing events. In contrast, the Chinese sports electronic media discourse is characterized by the dominance of positive evaluations, focusing on the heroization of athletes, collective pride, positivity, and faith in progress. From the perspective of ideological marking, Russian discourse is characterized by the use of evaluative means to consolidate national consciousness under conditions of international pressure. For the Chinese discourse, values transmitted during sports communication are a cultural resource, a means for expanding national influence through symbolism and cultural code. The linguocultural specificity of the parameter "target impact of evaluation" in Russian electronic media lies in the active emotional-evaluative accompaniment of events. Meanwhile, the linguocultural specificity of Chinese sports discourse in electronic media manifests in its orientation toward harmony, communicative balance, and social stability.
Litera. 2025;(8):272-285
272-285
Linguistic Mechanisms of National Identity Formation: A Comparative Analysis of the Use of Language for Creating and Maintaining National Identity in Russia and China Based on the Dictionary of Russian Mentality
Abstract
This article is dedicated to the analysis of linguistic mechanisms for the formation of national self-consciousness in Russia and China, realized through vocabulary that reflects mental and cultural values. The focus is on lexical units that contribute to the creation and maintenance of national identity while simultaneously performing ideological and emotional functions. Key conceptual fields are examined: "collectivism," "sobornost," and "state" in the Russian tradition, along with their functional counterparts in Chinese culture: "jia" (family), "li" (ritual), and "guo" (state). The study relies on materials from V.V. Kolesov's "Dictionary of Russian Mentality," Confucian texts, and other cultural and linguistic sources that embody images of collective memory, spirituality, and state ideology. Special attention is given to the differences in the lexical realization of collectivist values: the Russian tradition is characterized by emotional saturation and an emphasis on spiritual-moral unity, while the Chinese tradition features strict hierarchical organization and ritual orderliness. The paper employs comparative analysis, linguocultural analysis, and discursive analysis, as well as etymological breakdown and analysis of phraseological expressions and proverbs that reflect mental attitudes. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive comparison of mentally oriented vocabulary from the two cultures as a strategic resource for the formation of national identity. Common features and differences in linguistic mechanisms have been identified: in both cultures, language strengthens collectivist values; however, in Russia, they are conveyed through emotionally charged images ("communitarianism," "sobornost"), while in China, they are expressed through ritual-normative constructions ("jia," "li," "guo"). It is demonstrated that the historical dynamics of these concepts show the persistence of collectivist attitudes despite socio-political transformations, as well as their adaptation to contemporary conditions. The author argues that the preservation of these attitudes in the context of globalization ensures the maintenance of cultural identity and serves as a basis for national cohesion. The results can be used in sociolinguistics, cultural studies, and intercultural communication, as well as in the development of educational and integration programs.
Litera. 2025;(8):286-296
286-296
Problematic aspects of the media's influence on public opinion in the context of emergencies, using the example of the infodemic associated with the spread of COVID-19, and ways to address them
Abstract
This work is devoted to studying the influence of modern mass media, including digital platforms and social networks, on the formation of public opinion during emergencies. Special attention is given to information crises related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the phenomenon of infodemic, which was accompanied by the active spread of misinformation and rumors. The mechanisms of media influence, such as framing, sensationalism, bias in information presentation, and the role of algorithms in shaping the information agenda, are considered. The analysis focuses on how these processes affect the perception of reality, public behavior, and decision-making in crisis conditions. The aim of the work is to identify problematic aspects of media activity and determine possible strategies to counteract the negative effects of the infodemic. This paper presents an overview of problematic aspects of the influence of modern media on the formation of public opinion in emergency situations, particularly in the context of the infodemic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs a qualitative analysis method of scientific publications from 2020 to 2024, focusing on comparing foreign and domestic experiences in media analysis. The scientific novelty of the article lies in the systematization and generalization of existing approaches to analyzing media influence during emergencies, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in information dissemination and shaping the public agenda. The author highlights key risks and consequences of the infodemic, including a decline in trust in official sources, increased social anxiety, and polarization of public opinion. The work presents the structure of typical media patterns during crises and assesses the effectiveness of existing methods to counter misinformation. Conclusions are drawn about the necessity of enhancing media literacy among the population and implementing regulatory mechanisms capable of limiting the spread of unreliable information. The materials of the article may be useful for specialists in the field of media communications, social psychology, and information security.
Litera. 2025;(8):297-308
297-308
The objectivity in understanding the surrounding space and the formation of the personality of the protagonist-narrator: "Letters of a Russian Traveler"
Abstract
The subject of the study is the thematic sphere of N. M. Karamzin's book "Letters of a Russian Traveler" and its place in shaping perceptions of the material world in Russian literature at the end of the 18th century. The focus is on the problem of mastering reality in the poetics of sentimentalism and the peculiarities of Karamzin's creative position in this aspect. The genre and problematic-thematic complexity of "Letters of a Russian Traveler" is revealed at various levels of the text, which determined the characteristics of the organization of the material world within it. The relevance of the article is defined by the necessity of a holistic view of the dynamics of depicting the material world in 18th-century Russian literature, of which Karamzin's book "Letters of a Russian Traveler" can serve as a unique model. The aim of the article is to reconstruct the material world of "Letters of a Russian Traveler," to propose a typology of the material and everyday details in the book considering various principles that Karamzin used to organize its artistic world. The methodological basis of the study is structural-semiotic analysis of the text, which allows for the reconstruction of the laws of construction and artistic functioning of the system of material details within it, as well as elements of a comparative-typological approach, necessary for identifying the typology of material images in the book. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that it reveals the material level of Karamzin's text for the first time, which allows for conclusions about the specificity of the author's mastery of reality. The main conclusions of the conducted analysis are as follows: the material world of "Letters of a Russian Traveler" reflects the main artistic principles of Karamzin as a writer – the multi-level structure of the text and the dynamic nature of the communication between "author - reader"; the material realities in the book are grouped according to several principles – belonging to a specific sphere of life, the relationship between the objectively descriptive and the subjectively emotional, cultural fixation and situational conditioning of representations in the text. Altogether, this allowed the author of the article to conclude on the specificity of Karamzin's artistic mastery of reality, which determined the main direction of development of Russian literature in the late 18th – early 19th centuries.
Litera. 2025;(8):309-319
309-319
The image of Varvara Petrovna Stavrogina and the evolution of the noblewoman in Dostoevsky’s novel “Demons”
Abstract
The subject of this study is the literary image of Varvara Petrovna Stavrogina, one of the most complex and undervalued female characters in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Demons. The research focuses on how this figure reflects the transformation of the noblewoman in 19th-century Russian literature against the backdrop of ideological, cultural, and social crisis. The object of analysis is the aristocratic female type—endowed with external authority and symbolic status but lacking internal integrity and moral influence. The article explores how Varvara Petrovna represents the decline of the old nobility, the loss of the spiritual function of femininity, and the transition to a rhetorically constructed but substantively impoverished subjectivity. Special attention is paid to her speech strategies, interactions with other characters, and compositional role as a bearer of cultural memory and a relic of a fading social order. Methodologically, the study is based on structural-semantic, discursive, and gender-cultural analysis, with elements of comparative interpretation. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive rethinking of Varvara Petrovna as a typologically unique figure marking the final stage in the evolution of the noblewoman in Russian literature. For the first time, she is analyzed not as a secondary character but as a structural and ideological element of Dostoevsky’s narrative, symbolizing sociocultural disintegration. Her speech ceases to function communicatively and becomes a ritualized mechanism for preserving symbolic order. As a semiotic relic and “monument” of a bygone era, the character embodies a historical-value shift in the representation of the feminine, reflecting a move from moral authority to pragmatic, formalized subjectivity. The results may be of value in gender studies, cultural analysis, and literary criticism of late 19th-century Russian prose.
Litera. 2025;(8):320-330
320-330
Peculiarities of the Use of Zoonyms in Russian and British News Discourses
Abstract
The subject of this article is the linguocultural features of the use of a separate class of onomastic units - zoonyms - in the context of modern Russian and British news discourses. The use of zoonyms in socio-political and journalistic texts of a news focus is aimed at increasing the attractive potential of the news text (especially when used in the title or announcement of the article) for a potential reader, as well as the aesthetic, pragmatic and implicit content of the material in question. The work describes and analyzes headlines, news briefs and elements of full-text articles of Russian (RIA Novosti, RBC, TASS, Gazeta.ru) and British (Times, Guardian, Independent, Daily Telegraph, Observer, Daily Mail) news publishers. The work used the methods of continuous sampling for selecting news discourse texts; the method of discourse analysis for studying textual material; the method of corpus analysis for automated extraction of zoonymous units; method of dictionary definitions analysis, method of semantic analysis of zoonym lexemes; method of linguocultural text analysis to identify ethnospecific parameters of zoonym functioning in Russian and British news discourse. The aim of the article is to identify and describe linguocultural features of zoonym use in modern Russian and British news discourse. The scientific novelty of the study lies in comparing the features of zoonym use as a separate type of onomastic units in the texts of modern Russian and British news discourse. The study found that, despite the relative rarity of zoonym use in modern news texts, their role in implementing the attractive and pragmatic function remains consistently high. In Russian news discourse, one can note the high frequency of using zoonyms in the context of paremiological units (proverbs, sayings, phraseological locution), while for modern British news discourse, it is typical to use zoonyms as metaphorical nominees of various actors of political discourse, as well as to form the image of political figures or political movements.
Litera. 2025;(8):331-338
331-338
On the issue of modeling the gender identity of the linguistic personality of the addressee of the advertising text
Abstract
The article presents an analysis of the gender-relevant parameters of the advertising text in accordance with the level structure of the linguistic personality of Y. N. Karaulov. The relevance of this research is due to the increasing interest of linguists in studying the features of advertising texts placed in different types of media. Researchers of the advertising discourse identify a number of non-linguistic properties inherent in the addressee of the advertising text and influencing the addressee's choice of methods of influence. One of these properties is the gender identity of the addressee. The object of the study is advertising texts, and the subject is their gender-specific features. The aim of the work is to identify gender-relevant parameters for the analysis of advertising text at different levels of linguistic personality. The authors consider in detail the content of advertising at the verbal-semantic, linguistic-cognitive and pragmatic levels. Special attention in this work is paid to the verbal-semantic and pragmatic levels of linguistic personality. The text material was selected using the continuous sampling method. The research was conducted using methods of descriptive analysis, content analysis and statistical processing of the selected material. The novelty of the work lies in the fact that for the first time an attempt was made to confirm the opinion about the influence of the addressee's belonging to a particular gender on the addressee's choice of ways to organize an advertisement. The article defines the criteria for analyzing the gender identity of the addressee's linguistic personality at each of the levels of the linguistic personality. In the course of the work, gender-relevant differences were found at the verbal, semantic and pragmatic levels of the linguistic personality. The manifestation of gender-relevant parameters in advertisements is illustrated by examples from Russian-language glossy magazines for men and women published in September 2024 ("Domashny", "Rules of Life", "The Voice Mag", "Men Today"). Further directions for studying the specifics of gender functioning in advertising discourse are proposed.
Litera. 2025;(8):339-347
339-347