The use of dialect and slang in the Inferno of Dante's Divine Comedy: complementing and adjusting the theory of the "illustrious vernacular"

the article examines the complex interplay between the linguistic theory of the "illustrious vernacular" (volgare illustre), developed by Dante in his treatise "De Vulgari Eloquentia," and its practical realization in the poetics of the "Divine Comedy." The focus is on the first part of the poem, the "Inferno," with the specific material for analysis being marked lexical strata: dialectisms, colloquial speech, and elements of low-style register. The authors aim to determine to what extent the use of the "low" linguistic register can be considered a conscious artistic device and what role it plays in constructing Dante's image of Hell. The work addresses the following tasks: - identifying and classifying instances of non-normative lexicon usage; - comparing the poetic text with Dante's theoretical propositions; - defining the functions of "low-style" lexicon in character creation, plot development, and text structure. The methodological foundation comprises textual, comparative, structural-functional, and historical-literary approaches. The research relies on the critical edition of the "Divine Comedy" edited by Giorgio Petrocchi, as well as Russian translations and commentaries. The conducted analysis affirms that dialects and colloquial language are used by Dante not randomly, but as a deliberate stylistic strategy. They serve to enhance verisimilitude, deepen character psychology, create satirical effects, and establish semantic contrasts. Thus, Dante's poetic practice not only follows but also creatively develops his theoretical views on volgare illustre, enriching them with the vitality of living speech.

Dante, Divine Comedy, Inferno, volgare illustre, dialectisms, colloquialisms, low-style lexicon, poetics, stylistic strategy