Semantic Characteristics of Speech Formulas of Apology in English Language

Abstract

The semantic characteristics of speech formulas of apology in the English language are considered. The article presents the results of seme analysis, with the help of which dictionary entries of verbs and adjectives, which form the basis of verbal formulas of apology, are investigated. Distinctive semantic features of each speech formula are established. The research urgency is caused by necessity of revealing the semantic framework in the study of linguistic and semiotic characteristics of the considered speech formulas of apology. The novelty of the study is seen in the fact that by the date, a detailed analysis of the semantic characteristics of these speech formulas has not been carried out. There are differences in the semantics of the verbal formulas of apology in the English language: an apology with the word sorry is neutral, and it is the main way of expressing apology; the apology with the verb to excuse is given for the negative action; the apology from the verb to forgive is given for the negative state; the apology with the verb to apologise/ze additionally includes such semes as ‘official’ and ‘emphatic’; the apology with the verb regret includes semes of ‘regret’ and ‘formality’; the apology with the speech formula of I’m afraid includes seme ‘courtesy’ and is used to mitigate the subsequent unfavourable message. Functions in which the studied formulas can be used are revealed.

Keywords

• expressives
• seme analysis
• conceptual sphere
• category of politeness
• dictionary entry