LEXICO-SEMANTIC FEATURES OF THE DISCOURSE OF AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING SUBMISSIVE PERSONALITY

Abstract

The article examines the submissive personality type from a linguistic perspective. Having English as a target language, such lexical units, phrases, and sentences are singled out which a submissive person frequently uses and as a result creates a characteristic type of discourse. An analysis of the dictionary definitions of the lexemes that fill the concept of submissiveness is carried out. It is concluded that the latter denotes a model of human behaviour of submission, subordination, obedience, compliance to another person or group of people. The lexical-semantic analysis of the English-language discourse of the submissive personality reveals a wide range of language strategies aimed at softening one’s own position, avoiding conflicts and responsibility. The speech patterns used by submissive individuals reflect their deep inner fears of negative evaluation, confrontation, and social rejection. The choice of vocabulary and grammatical constructions is the result of psychological pressure and a low level of socialization, which forms the tendency of submissive personalities to avoid any situations that may be threatening to their social status or emotional security. It is found that a submissive personality uses specific language tools that allow to minimize potential conflicts. The choice of vocabulary reflects the inner anxiety and desire of such personalities to avoid direct confrontations and criticism. Lexical expressions of a subordinating nature indicate the attempts to maintain social peace and avoid a negative reaction from others. A wide use of passive constructions and modal verbs makes it possible to conceal the active role of the speaker, helps submissive individuals to remove responsibility for the expressed thoughts or actions. Such strategies are treated as the result of deep inner psychological pressure, which forms the tendency of submissive persons to self-deprecation and self- restraint in speech interactions. It also indicates a desire to reduce categoricity and emphasis on one’s own opinion, making communication softer and less conflictual.