The semantics of existential verbs in Mongolic languages

The subject of the study is the semantics of existential verbs in Mongolic languages, specifically their inventory, semantic characteristics, and functional features within the system of static spatial localization. The work examines lexemes expressing the fact of presence or existence of an object in space, as well as their functional and semantic variants in Khalkha Mongolian, Buryat, Oirat, and Kalmyk languages. Special attention is paid to the semantic classification of existential verbs, which includes general existential, locative-existential, possessive-existential, and functives. The author examines in detail such aspects of the topic as polysemy and lexico-semantic polyfunctionality of existential verbs, their ability to combine different semantic groups depending on context, as well as areal differences in the semantic scope of these verbs across different Mongolic languages. The study employs the descriptive method, the method of componential analysis, the comparative method, as well as elements of cognitive analysis. A total of 17 verbal lexemes have been analyzed, grouped into four semantic classes: general existential (1 lexeme), locative-existential (3 lexemes), possessive-existential (2 lexemes), and functives (11 lexemes, including seasonal verbs). The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time, a systematic semantic analysis of existential verbs of static localization has been carried out on the material of four major and five marginal Mongolic languages. The present study proposes a multi-level semantic classification of existential verbs, including general existential, locative-existential, possessive-existential, and functives. The emphasis in this research is placed on semantic analysis. For the first time, the lexico-semantic polyfunctionality of existential verbs has been identified and systematized, manifested in the ability of a single lexeme to combine different semantic functions depending on context. The functives, as well as a unique group of seasonal nomadism verbs reflecting the traditional nomadic way of life of Mongolic peoples, are systematically described for the first time. Furthermore, areal differences in the semantic scope of existential verbs have been revealed, indicating that the same verb may have different semantic ranges across various Mongolic languages.