Part I – Phraseological units and their origin

1. Definition of the term phraseological unit

In modern linguistics there is no unique opinion in a question about essence and definition of set phrase as a language unit. There is some theoretical difference on the occasion of phraseology and character of linguistic facts, named as phraseological units. Lexicological practice testifies the importance of precise definition of phraseological unit. When in dictionaries in capacity of phraseological units usual word combinations (feeling of fellowship; do something at the first try; not a sound; things are doing etc.) and words (hostilities; for nothing; word-perfect etc.) are given.

Charles Bally gave the definition of phraseological unit: «combinations, which firmly came into language, are called set phrases». Linguists S.G. Gavrin, V.L. Arkhangelskiy, V.N. Teliya name phraseological unit as a language unit, which has such minor criteria as metaphoricalness, equivalence and synonymity of the word. V.V. Vinogradov suggested the most important sign of phraseological unit is equivalence and synonymity of the word. But in N.M. Shanskiy’s opinion almost all words have metaphoric meaning, but not all phrases have equivalence. So, inclusion of such minor criteria and dependent signs in definition of phraseological unit is not correct. The scientist emphasized that «the correct definition of phraseological unit cannot exist without its difference from the word and free combination».

In his book «Phraseology of modern Russian language» Shanskiy gives the next definition «set phrase is readable language unit, consisted of two or more stressed components of word character, fixed (i.e. constant) by value, composition and structure». The linguist is of opinion that the major attribute of set phrases is their readability, as «phraseological units are not created in the process of communication, so they are reproduced as finished integral units». In this way phraseological units «to the other end of the world», «somebody has disappeared into thin air», «one has nothing to say for oneself» etc. are fully extracted in our mind. Readableness is significant for phraseological units in their finished type with attached and strictly fixed meaning, composition and structure. Phraseological units are significant language units. It is typical of them proper value, independent from the meaning, which constituents their components. Set phrase consists of the same components, arranged in strict established order. We ascertained that in the Russian language some phraseological units could have different word order: сгореть со стыда – со стыда сгореть (to burn with shame), тянуть волынку – волынку тянуть (chew the fat (the rag)).

N.M. Shanskiy made out some difference between set phrases and free word combinations. Set phrases differ with readableness, integrity of the meaning, steadiness of composition and structure and also with structure tightness. In scientist’s opinion the difference between set phrases and words is in the next: words consist of elementary significant units of the language, morphemes, and phraseological units consist of components of word character. Therefore, we understood that phraseological units have characteristic set of differentia:

1. These are finished language units, which are not created in the process of communication, they are fully extracted in our mind;

2. These are language units, which have constancy in meaning, composition and structure;

3. These are divided into parts foundation, whose components are realized by speakers as words.

Phraseological units must consist of all signs, which were mentioned before.