Lower Sorbian interjections in light of lexicographic material: types, functions, structure

Abstract

The article concerns the functioning of the class of parts of speech known as interjections in the lexical system of the Lower Sorbian language. The text is primarily based on the lexical material of Arnošt Muka’s dictionary, pointing to various types of interjections in Lower Sorbian depending on the adopted classification criteria. Interjections are difficult to classify due to their ambiguous boundaries with other parts of speech. The article analyzes the types of interjections, their functions, and structural characteristics. In Lower Sorbian, interjections are morphologically productive, serving as roots for verbs, nouns, and diminutives. Muka’s dictionary is a rich historical source for studying Lower Sorbian interjections. The analyses carried out are essentially diachronic and do not refer to the contemporary system of the Lower Sorbian language, which, as recent research shows, is extremely endangered. The interjections in Lower Sorbian are diverse, semantically rich, and structurally unique, especially the onomatopoeic group. Despite being marginalized in traditional grammar, interjections should be seen as a vital and productive part of the language.