On the forms of manifestation of the magical function of language

Abstract

The article explores linguistic phenomena as a form of manifestation of the magic func­tion. Systemic classifications, taxonomies, and linear phenomena such as euphemization and performativity reflect the beliefs and socio-spiritual functions of societies. This set of linguistic forms and means is determined by the existing religious beliefs. The article studies the foun­dation of beliefs in the form of elementary "primary performatives". They cannot be denied from the standpoint of logic but can be presented as felicitous and infelicitous. The entire set of cultural representations is based on elementary performatives. Another example of the con­tinuity of linguistic forms of religious beliefs is euphemization. Systemic classifications in the languages ​​of Australian aborigines and the animate/inanimate gender in Indo-European lan­guages ​​appear as dependent entities on religious choice in the form of preferences arising in the totem ideas of peoples. A we reconstruct the areas of intersection of beliefs and linguistic forms. The linguistic form is in harmony with certain stages of development of society, as well as its social organisation. Thus, we define the isomorphism of the linguistic and social struc­tures of the Australian aborigines. In Indo-European languages, taxonomies of gender go back to primary divisions into stems defined as active/animate and inactive/inanimate. The article shows that animate / inanimate is influenced by the stage of animism.

Keywords

• language
• culture
• performativity
• stem
• animate
• inanimate