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Shklyaeva, P.D., CHikina, E.E. (2025). Semiotic study of the preposition "on" in contemporary English. Philology: scientific researches, 4, 149–160. . https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0749.2025.4.74099
Semiotic study of the preposition "on" in contemporary English.
DOI: 10.7256/2454-0749.2025.4.74099EDN: BHGIVEReceived: 14-04-2025Published: 04-05-2025Abstract: The study is dedicated to the semiotic analysis of the preposition "on" in modern English, covering its semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic characteristics in the context of complex sign systems. The material consists of data from the British National Corpus (BNC) and the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), as well as from the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries, allowing for the identification of patterns in the usage of "on" across diverse contexts: spatial, temporal, abstract, and causal relationships. The analysis revealed that the semantics of "on" depends on its collocation with nouns, verbs, and adjectives, while its pragmatic function is often related to conveying logical or culturally specific relationships. A comprehensive approach to the data from corpus linguistics and lexicographic sources identified the polysemy of "on," which is influenced by contextual and cognitive factors, confirming its role as a key element in structuring English discourse. The main research methods, necessitated by the need to identify the semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic features of the preposition "on," include semantic, contextual, and pragmatic analyses. Additionally, table, summarizing, descriptive, and retrospective methods were used to process the material. The main findings of the study include the identification of the core component of the semantics of the preposition "on" – the postulation of a temporal or spatial contact with an object. This core component is preserved in all types of realization of the linguistic sign "on" – in its iconic, indexical, and symbolic forms. Secondarily associative mental schemes arising from the core component of the semantics of "on" are manifested in the semiotic space of complex signs of idioms and phrasal verbs. The authors identify the following secondary semantic models: cyclical action, maximum proximity to a certain state or event, achieving maximum potential, continuous ongoing action, activation of something / transitioning to a working state, and optimal localization of the subject. The functioning of the linguistic sign "on" as a particle in a phrasal verb, a preposition, and an adverb demonstrates its ability to form, within the framework of complex signs, relationships of semantic paradigmatics, syntactic paradigmatics, and narrative syntax, respectively. A contrastive comparison of the preposition "on" with prepositions that can participate in the formation of similar syntactic constructions can reveal its linguistic and pragmatic presuppositions. Keywords: semiotics, semantics, pragmatics, syntactics, English language, preposition, linguistic sign, mental schema, paradigmatics, presuppositionThis article is automatically translated. You can find original text of the article here. Introduction In the framework of cognitive linguistics, prepositions are considered as linguistic units encoding spatial relationships between entities, which are then expanded into abstract areas through conceptual metaphors and image schemes. This approach allows us to systematically explain the polysemy of prepositions. The relevance of the research is due to the key role of on in the formation of spatial, temporal and metaphorical meanings, which contributes to a deeper understanding of polysemy in cognitive linguistics and the communicative strategies of native speakers. The object of the study is the preposition on in the context of its use in the corpus of modern English (British National Corpus, Corpus of Contemporary American English), and the subject is its semantic, pragmatic and syntactic characteristics, including its polysemy and semiotic functions. The purpose of the study is to identify the semantic, pragmatic and syntactic features of the functioning of the on preposition in modern English using a semiotic approach. To achieve the goal, the following tasks are set:
The novelty of the research lies in the complex application of the semiotic approach to the analysis of on, which made it possible to systematize its indexical, iconic and symbolic functions, as well as to describe in detail its syntactic variability in modern corpora. In most world languages, prepositions, despite their small formal volume, play an essential role in organizing syntactic connections and ensuring the accuracy of thought expression. As noted by Sirik M. A. [7], prepositions function as irreplaceable connecting links, defining relationships between objects, actions and phenomena. Khanapieva A. Kh. and Mallaeva Z. M. [8] draw attention to the fact that prepositions create a complex system of semantic connections, which is confirmed by the analysis in the works of Zhukova A. O. [3]. Their research highlights the pragmatic aspects of the use of prepositions, emphasizing their role in communication strategies, which is especially important for analyzing the preposition on in various contexts. At the same time, various authors, including V. Egorova and O. Zadobrivskaya [15], point out that English prepositions are often interpreted as spatial modifiers of movement, and E. Chon [16] and Z. Makanbet [17] demonstrate their role in the formation of the semiotic space of phrasal verbs. These scientists proposed cross-linguistic approaches, comparing the functioning of prepositions with similar prepositions in other languages, which enriched the understanding of their universal and specific features. The study by Zaim M. and Takhar H. [18] emphasizes that the mental schemas actualized by the use of phrasal verbs are based on the spatial and kinetic experience of native speakers, which is complemented by Arnheim R. [19]'s idea of mental associations that go beyond what is directly perceived. Arnheim considered prepositions as signs capable of conveying cultural and historical meanings, which is especially relevant for the semiotic analysis of speech. Of particular importance is the preposition on, which covers a wide range of meanings – from specific spatial relations to abstract conceptual categories. According to G. G. Baisheva and V. V. Gurin [1], the ambiguity of on is determined by the historical development of the English language, during which it competed with such prepositions as in, at, to, against. They investigated the functional and semantic features of prepositions, highlighting their role in creating text coherence and expressing spatial and abstract relationships, as well as tracing how on acquired temporal and metaphorical meanings. In the works of Zhukova A. O. [3] and Grechukhina Z. R. [2], it is emphasized that the semiotic approach allows us to consider on not only as a functional linguistic unit, but also as a sign with cultural and historical content, which opens up opportunities for an in-depth analysis of its functioning in the communicative process. M. A. Kalyuga [4] in his In her work, she focused on the syntactic functions of prepositions, analyzing their interaction with verbs in complex constructions, and M. R. Adizova [20] investigated the influence of regional and stylistic factors on the choice of prepositions in speech. These studies provide a solid basis for analyzing the functioning of the on preposition.The purpose of this study is to identify the semantic, pragmatic and syntactic features of the functioning of the on preposition in modern English. Research methods The present study is based on a semiotic methodology that considers language as a system of signs, where each unit conveys a certain meaning and performs its function. The analysis is based on corpus data from the British National Corpus [11] and the Corpus of Contemporary American English [10], which allowed us to identify real examples of the use of on in various contexts. The Oxford [13] and Cambridge [12] dictionaries, as well as other authoritative sources, for example, the works of Thompson D. [14] were used to determine the variability of the meanings of the preposition on. The study includes a semiotic and semantic analysis, during which the preposition on is considered as a sign, the meaning of which varies depending on the context. A pragmatic analysis, as evidenced by the works of Molchanova A. S. and Nikolashina E. A. [6], allows us to trace the functional use of on in specific communicative situations. In addition, tabular, descriptive and retrospective methods were used in the analysis, which contributed to the systematization of the information received and its visual presentation.
Discussion of the research results Historical analysis shows that the preposition on has Old English roots and developed in parallel with such prepositions as in, at, to and against. Lutfullina G. F. and Savinov S. S. [5] indicate that in the early stages of language formation, on was used to denote surface contact, but over time its meaning expanded to denote abstract states. Thus, in the statement "The book is on the table", the preposition on not only indicates the physical position of the object, but also implies the presence of a specific support surface, as noted by Kalyuga M. A. [4] and Sirik M. A. [7]. The study also revealed that on has the function of visualizing the position of objects, creating a mental picture, which is also noted in the works of Khanapieva A. H. and Mallaeva Z. M. [8], as well as Davies M. [10]. In the example "The train is traveling on the tracks", on not only captures the location of the train, but also illustrates linear motion, which is emphasized in the studies of Zhukova A. O. [3] and Khodzhageldyev B. D. with Shurupova O. S. [9]. In turn, in the example "The picture is on the wall", an iconic image is observed: the wall is represented as a plane, and the painting occupies a certain place on it – this is confirmed by the conclusions of Grechukhina Z. R. [2]. The function of the symbol is manifested, for example, in the expression "to be on duty", where on denotes not a physical presence, but a state or process, which is emphasized by the works of Zaim M. and Takhar H. [18] and Baisheva G. G. with Gurin V. V. [1]. To visually present the results of the study, tables were compiled reflecting the typology of mental schemas, semantic and pragmatic features and syntactic functions of the preposition on. Table 1 shows the types of mental schemas associated with on. In a spatial scheme (for example, "The book is on the table"), on denotes contact with a surface; in a temporal scheme (for example, "We will meet on Monday") – a specific point on the timeline; and in a secondary associative scheme (for example, "He is on duty") - figurative a value associated with a state or process.
Table 1. Typology of mental schemas in the semantics of the preposition on
The inclusion ("including") of the symbolic meanings of on becomes clearer when considering examples from real use. So, in the phrase The train is traveling on the tracks, we see that on not only shows the location, but also provides visualization of movement along a clearly marked line. There is a clear mental picture: the train "goes" strictly within the rails, and on connects the "train" object with the "track" line in a single directional movement scheme. A similar example can be observed in the sentence The picture is on the wall, where on forms an image of the contact of a vertical plane (wall) and an object (painting). Table 2 shows the semantic and pragmatic features of using on in stable expressions, such as idioms ("on and off", "on cloud nine") and phrasal verbs ("carry on", "turn on", "count on").
Table 2. Semantic and pragmatic features of using on
At the same time, each quotation is accompanied by the name of the author who expressed the relevant idea, which avoids generalized references at the end of the paragraph. Table 3 illustrates the syntactic features of on functioning as part of complex linguistic units: as part of a phrasal verb (for example, "He turned the light on"), as well as an independent preposition (for example, "The book is on the table") or an adverb (for example, "Go on, tell me more!").
Table 3. - Syntactics of on in the composition of complex linguistic units
A comparative analysis of the use of on with the prepositions in and at reveals that, despite their apparent interchangeability, they have differences in meaning. For example, in emphasizes inclusion in a team or internal affiliation ("in the team", "in the list"), while on indicates formal membership or positioning ("on the team", "on the list"). Such differences are described in detail in the works of Molchanova A. S. and Nikolashina E. A. [6] and are confirmed by studies of British and American corps [10, 11].
Table 4. Contextual features of on compared to in and at
As a result, it becomes clear that on plays a multicomponent function, simultaneously participating in the creation of spatial, temporal and secondary associative meanings. It is able to use the speaker's visual experience (a simplified picture with lines and surfaces), form metaphorical meanings (on duty – "on duty" in the figurative sense of "in the process of performing duties") and serve as an element of syntactic constructions where it can switch from a preposition to an adverb or phrasal particle. Conclusions The analysis shows that the preposition on retains its ancient basis associated with the idea of "contact" or "surface", but at the same time it has acquired a wide network of metaphorical and symbolic meanings. Its ambiguity is manifested in spatial, temporal, and secondary associative uses, and corpus studies confirm the high activity of on in the oral and written genres of modern English. The semiotic approach makes it possible to consider on as a unit with indexical (direct indication of location), iconic (formation of visual images of contact or movement) and symbolic (fixation of abstract states and processes) functions. Each of these functions is revealed through specific syntactic and pragmatic models: phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, and free phrases. In addition, the comparison of on with in and at allows us to identify important presuppositions and clarify the boundaries of their use. The choice of preposition is often influenced by factors such as speech register, regional norms, context, and stylistic preferences of speakers. Understanding the described semiotic properties of on is of considerable interest for further research in the field of cognitive linguistics and sign theory, as it allows for deeper insight into the mechanisms of meaning formation, as well as a more accurate description of the mechanism of interaction of grammatical and lexical elements in the English language. The expansion of the methodology used to analyze on, in relation to other prepositions, can provide new perspectives for classifying their polysemy and features of functioning in speech. The conducted research demonstrates that the preposition on in modern English has a complex polysemy. Its basic meaning, associated with contact with the surface, is expanded to include temporal, metaphorical and symbolic meanings. As shown by Baisheva G. G. and Gurin V. V. [1], as well as Lutfullina G. F. and Savinov S. S. [5], at the historical stage on competed with other prepositions, however, the evolution of the language led to its widespread use in various contexts. The semiotic approach allows us to consider on as a sign with indexical, iconic and symbolic functions. The index function is implemented in pointing to a specific position (for example, "The book is on the table"), the iconic function is to create a visual image of movement or contact (for example, "The train is traveling on the tracks"), and the symbolic function is to indicate a state or process (for example, "to be on duty"). Along with this, the analysis of syntactic constructions shows that on can act as an independent preposition, as part of a phrasal verb, or even as an adverb, which is emphasized by the research of Zhukova A. O. [3] and Grechukhina Z. R. [2]. The comparison of on with the prepositions in and at reveals subtle differences in their use, which is confirmed by the analysis of corpus data and lexicographic comparisons, as noted in the works of Molchanova A. S. and Nikolashina E. A. [6]. Thus, the study of the preposition on allows for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of formation of semantic connections in language, as well as to expand the understanding of the interaction of linguistic units in the communication process. References
1. Baisheva, G. G., & Gurin, V. V. (2019). Polysemy of English prepositions. Academic Journalism, 11, 243-251. EDN: WNDLHD.
2. Grechukhina, Z. R. (2021). Interaction of preposition meaning and context. Bulletin of the Moscow State Regional University. Series: Linguistics, 1, 106-116. https://doi.org/10.18384/2310-712X-2021-1-106-116. EDN: EZDQPB. 3. Zhukova, A. O. (2022). On the problem of studying the polysemy of prepositions (based on the material of the English language). Bulletin of the Mogilev State University named after A. A. Kuliashov, 2(60), 112-117. 4. Kalyuga, M. A. (2021). Application of cognitive linguistics in explaining the use of foreign prepositions. Bulletin of Vyatka State University, 4, 79-87. 5. Lutfullina, G. F., & Savinov, S. S. (2024). Expression of the category of precedence by prepositions and conjunctions in English. Philological Sciences. Issues of Theory and Practice, 17(2), 496-502. https://doi.org/10.30853/phil20240071. EDN: AAASXM. 6. Molchanova, A. S., & Nikolashina, E. A. (2021). Features of perception of locative prepositions in English and Russian. Actual Issues of Foreign Language Studies in Higher Education, 244-247. EDN: MEMMNP. 7. Sirik, M. A. (2019). The role of prepositions in the English language. Modern Science, 6-1, 72-77. 8. Khanapieva, A. K., & Mallaeva, Z. M. (2020). Functional-semantic analysis of spatial prepositions in English. World Science, 7(40), 131-134. EDN: GBMLBI. 9. Khodzhageldiev, B. D., & Shurupova, O. S. (2020). On the problem of English prepositions. Modern English Language in Linguistic, Philological, and Linguodidactic Aspects, 47-51. EDN: SMUAVI. 10. Davies, M. (2024). The Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA): 1 billion words, 1990-2022. Retrieved from https://www.english-corpora.org/coca/. 11. British National Corpus. (2007). Version 4.0. Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://www.natcorp.ox.ac.uk/. 12. McIntosh, C. (2013). Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press. 13. Oxford Dictionary of English. (2005). New ed of 2 revised. Oxford University Press. 14. Thompson, D. (2007). Oxford Russian Dictionary: Russian-English/English-Russian (4th revised ed.). Oxford University Press. 15. Egorova, V., & Zadobrivskaya, O. (2023). Container scheme-image and its types: English phrasal verbs of cognitive activity. SibScript, 25, 433-440. 16. Chon, E. (2024). Phrasal verbs with “around” and “about” as a grammatical pattern. Korean Journal of English Language and Linguistics, 24, 62-85. 17. Makanbet, Z. (2024). Linguistic features of phrasal verbs in English. Eurasian Science Review: An International Peer-Reviewed Multidisciplinary Journal, 2(6), 723-732. 18. Zaim, M., & Tahar, K. (2024). The role of image schemas in interpreting English phrasal verbs: A philosophical and linguistic perspective. Pioneer: Journal of Language and Literature, 16(1), 63-79. 19. Arnheim, R. (2020). Visual thinking. University of California Press. 20. Adizova, M. (2021). The role of phrasal verbs in phraseology. Middle European Scientific Bulletin, 2, 20-24. https://doi.org/10.47494/mesb.2021.2.157. EDN: ZTAZCV.
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