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English and German collocations with the components “air”, “water”, “fire”, and “earth”

https://doi.org/10.26907/2782-4756-2025-82-4-39-44

Abstract

The theory of collocations is actively evolving in modern Russian linguistics with the definition of the term and its status in the lexical system being in the spotlight. Researchers also carry out comparative and contrastive analyses of collocations with a particular base or collocations united by a common theme. This article focuses on studying adjectival collocations with such bases as air, water, fire and earth in English and German (n=196) with the aim of discovering cases of isomorphism and non-isomorphism. Two types of inter-language equivalents have been revealed – full and partial. The ratio of full equivalents to partial equivalents varies; it is dependent on the base of a collocation. However, it can be stated that the compared languages show significant similarities in the formation of adjectival collocations with the indicated components. Inter-language similarities can be explained primarily by the universal meaning of the basic components and their general functional and semantic compatibility. The reason for partial equivalence mostly lies in the semantic features of collocators, which can indicate either a different degree of a feature manifestation or include additional semes that are absent in the other language. Partial equivalence is occasionally caused by differences in the components of collocations. 

About the Authors

A. Kayumova
Kazan Federal University
Russian Federation

Kayumova Albina Ramilevna, Ph.D. in Philology, Associate Professor

18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008



R. Safina
Kazan Federal University
Russian Federation

Safina Rimma Abelkhaerovna, Ph.D. in Philology, Associate Professor

18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008



F. Tarasova
Kazan Federal University
Russian Federation

Tarasova Fanuza Kharisovna, Doctor of Philology, Professor

18 Kremlyovskaya Str., Kazan, 420008



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Review

For citations:


Kayumova A., Safina R., Tarasova F. English and German collocations with the components “air”, “water”, “fire”, and “earth”. Philology and Culture. 2025;(4):39-44. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.26907/2782-4756-2025-82-4-39-44

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ISSN 2782-4756 (Print)