Svyatyuk Y. Semantics and Functioning of Ethnic Names in Modern English

The thesis focuses on the study of semantics and functioning of names denoting ethnic groups in present-day British English. Language means of ethnic groups' identification concerning the type of designation (internal and external ethnic names) and the sphere of usage (official ethnic names, ethnophobisms, ethnic nicknames) are revealed. Linguistic and cognitive aspects of ethnic names in present-day British English are clarified. Structural and semantic features of ethnic names are analyzed. The research distinguishes the peculiarities of FOREIGNER as a concept structure. Naming a foreigner is treated by means of frame structure analysis in the form of a conceptual model. Language means of secondary designation of non-British are singled out. Functional aspect of names denoting foreigners by native British in cross-ethnic communication is determined. The influence of ethnic stereotypes, political correctness and xenophobia on derivation of ethnic names is considered. Communicative strategies and tactics of their usage in interactions between native British and foreigners are also presented