The value of freedom in phraseology

Abstract

The article considers the value of freedom in phraseology of the English, German and Russian languages, as well as deals with the semantic and corpus analysis. Values are a significant category in languages and cultures regulating a person’s perception of the surrounding reality and social behavior. Research into the value of freedom through analyzing idioms makes it possible to reveal the ways of conceptualization of this notion in different languages, to define the role and influence of cultures on the specificity of the semantic field “political values,” as well as to find peculiarities of idioms’ semantics. The article is an analysis of idioms representing the freedom of speech and choice. The freedom of speech is shown as an opportunity to openly express one’s opinions as well as an appeal to fairness. It is reflected in the inner form and in the lexical structure of idioms. The corpus approach has shown that under the influence of the inner form synonymous idioms turn out to be significantly different to one another in various contexts; regular compatibility with different lexemes is revealed, many idioms also acquire additional meanings. The freedom of choice is reflected in expressions describing reforms, manifestations of patriotism and policies aimed at supporting the country.

References

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