VII Международная студенческая научная конференция Студенческий научный форум - 2015

The object of our studies is euphonic means in the mini-system of substantive phraseological units in modern English.

The matter is that euphonic means take a noticeable part in forming the structure of phraseological units in modern English in general. Among the most active euphonic means we should take into consideration alliteration and rhythm [Кунин 1996].

As to alliteration we maintain the definition given by A.V. Kunin which reads as follows 'alliteration is symmetrical repetition of identical or similar consonant sounds at the beginning or in the middle of words as a stylistic device or as part of stable combinations of words' [Кунин 2005: 324] (the translation is ours – K.R.).

Evidently, the components of substantive phraseological units in modern English are characterized by repetition of identical consonants in the initial position of the word-component. Let us exemplify this phenomenon:

a bird in the bush – an imagery benefit,

Jack and Gill – a lad and a girl,

like to like – people of common interests come close together,

forbidden fruit – a thing wanted but not allowed,

creature comforts – the grease of the earth,

the lay of the land – a matter of fact state/ situation,

the policy of pin pricks – a kind of biting stimulation,

desperate diseases – extreme circumstances [Fedulenkova 2002:15].

(for other examples see the references [Федуленкова 1998-2002].

As to the repetition of two or more sounds, it happens much more seldom, so it is quite a rare occasion. Here are some examples of it:

green grapes – something much desirable but not achievable,

dribs and drabs – a meager quantity,

prunes and prisms – an affectionate manner to speak,

stocks and stones – unanimated objects, indifferent people,

(for other examples see the references [Fedulenkova 2004: 1; 2005: 44]).

If one tries to find out frequent rhythmical sounding in substantive phraseological units in modern English, he is sure to be a failure. Here are some examples:

pie in the sky – vain promises, a bird in the bush,

the hatches, matches and dispatches – a column in a yellow paper announcing births, wedding-parties, deaths,

John Doe and Richard Roe – the imagery accuser and accused in the court room

wear and tear – tiredness, exhaustion.

Sometimes the rhythm is combined with the alliteration:

the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker(joc.) – men of different professions.

In modern English there are also a few alliterated coupled synonyms, such as

fire and fury – an irresistible passion,

game and glee – all cakes an ale,

Couple antonyms may be illustrated as follows:

ebb and flow – a quick change of mood, etc.

high and low– people of different rank, social position,

the rough and the smooth – ups and downs of the fate.

To sum it up it is necessary to press the point that euphonic means not only take a substantial part in forming the structure of phraseological units in modern English, but they also provide their occasional stylistic use in the context.

Библиографический список

Кунин А.В. Курс фразеологии современного английского языка: Учеб. для ин-тов и фак. иностр. яз. – 3-е изд. – Дубна: Феникс+, 2005. – 488 с.

Кунин A.B. Лингвостилистические особенности фразеологи­ческого эллипсиса // Вопросы фразеологии: Сб. науч. тр./ Моск. гос. пед. ин-т иностр. яз. им. М. Тореза, 1978. – Вып. 131. – С.103-126.

Федуленкова Т.Н. Апокопа в английских пословицах // Проблемы прикладной лингвистики: Сб. материалов семинара. – Пенза: Пензенский гос. пед. ун-т, Приволжский Дом знаний, 1998. – Ч. II. – С. 74-77.

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