Doroshenko M. Functional and semantic parameters of particles in the language of Ukrainian press at the beginning of the ХХІ century.

The thesis describes semantic and functional specifics of particles. It investigates the evolution of approach to a particle as an object of linguistic research. Limits of a particle as a part of speech are established. The issue of the particles’ classification is raised. Inconsistency of available linguistic classifications is explained by key points of the particles’ functioning, their unclear semantic limits, combination of subjective and objective modal meanings, close connection of particles with lexico-grammatic structure of a statement, capacity to unite into complex phrases, big number in spoken language, as well as their correlation with other parts of speech to which they are connected with their origins. Pragmatic aspects of studying phrases containing phrasal particles are reviewed. The status and peculiarities of a publicistic discourse as an object of the linguistic analysis is identified. Advantages of particles studying using publicistic texts are preconditioned by basic functions of press, namely: encouragement, informing, persuasion, popularization, linguistic impact that actively involve phrasal particles. As the result of analysis of the particles’ representation in various syntax constructions a number of their functional peculiarities was revealed. Some particles of the Ukrainian language function as a phrase-sentence. Similarity of some particles with interjections is also indicative. Phrasal particles are described from their origin’s viewpoint. Primary and secondary units are identified. Availability /absence of word formative links and formal correlations with words from other classes were chosen as the criteria for the division. It was established that the major part of units belonging to the non-uniform class of particles, are secondary derivatives, originating from various parts of speech. The research gives grounds for confirming a possibility of particles’ transfer both to independent, and auxiliary parts of speech classes. However, the mechanisms of their transfer are different. Each unit of speech passes its own way while assimilating a particle’ features. Derivatives from verbs, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, and interjections are identified among the secondary particles. They have different stage of particle features’ assimilation. Adaptation of a word and its transfer to the class of particles depends on the character of semantics of the basic component being in direct correlation with its generality. Lexical items with more concrete semantics have a rather low level of assimilation to the particles’ group. Major number of particles, that are homonymic with interjections and conjunctions, have been created so long ago that their initial part of speech can be hardly identified.