Hypero-Hyponymic Relations in Structure of Lexical-Thematic Field “Instruments and Tools of Labour” in French Language

Abstract

The questions of systematization of the vocabulary, the differences between semantic and thematic classifications of lexical units are covered. Special attention is paid to the study hypero-hyponymic relations between lexemes in the structure of the thematic field. The analysis of theoretical literature on this issue is presented. The question is raised about the role of definitional analysis in the systematization of lexical structure of language. The novelty of the research is seen in the fact that lexical units, indicating tools and instruments of labour, in the French language are classified for the first time. The research urgency is caused by the interest of many scientists to the issues of system devices of language, in particular vocabulary. Definitions of the terms “semantic field” and “thematic field” are given. The author dwells on the fact that a particular lexeme is motivated by the concepts of the material world and is merged in the thematic groups, and abstract units are motivated by the world of abstract concepts and, accordingly, belong to semantic associations. It is shown that the lexemes expressing the general concepts of instruments of labour and tools in the French language, are hyperonyms in relation to the words denoting specific instruments and tools. Classification of lexical units is given indicating the names of instruments of labour and tools based on the hierarchical relationships within the field: lexical-thematic field, lexical-thematic group, lexical-thematic series, token.