Lexical Orbits of Sputnik: Pragmatics vs Semantics

Abstract

In the article the authors analyze the semantic structure of the word sputnik (satellite). The main attention is given to its general semantics – ‘astronomical body’, ‘satellite vehicle’. The analysis reveals the semantic transformations of the word and of the sphere of its functioning that leads to its changing into globalism. Specific attention is given to pragmatic connotations: specificity of pragmatic meaning, type of context, communicative situations, reasons of a certain pragmatic meaning etc. The authors also describe persuasive capabilities of the word sputnik.