Word-sentences in middle armenian

Abstract

Among the communicative units of the Middle Armenian language word-sentences are observed separately. The main member in them is expressed via affirmative and negative words ամէն ”Amen”, այո “Yes”, չէ “No”, քաւ լիցի “God forbid” which came mainly from Grabar (the Old Armenian language). In Middle Armenian sources expressive word-sentences are not found.

Of course, judgmental or emotional attitude can also be shown by parts of speech characterized by notional meanings, but unlike relative words and sounds, they are expressed by notional parts of speech: the attitude or feeling has a tangible meaning, b) the main (head) member may demand a complement if necessary.

What is said means that the main (head) member of word-sentences can be expressed only by parts of speech expressing immaterial (in this case, judgmental or emotional) meaning, that is, by conjuncts (disjuncts) and interjections, which, as a rule, cannot be connected to other words and become a member of a modifier-modified combination

The word-sentences, as well as one-part nominal structures, are the best means for speech-styling. Their application helps the speaker to be short, thus avoiding long, extended sentences. Word-sentences are used mainly in fiction, particularly in such sources where there are sermons, announcements, dialogues, quotations of the speakers’ responses, etc. Just like impersonal verbal and one-part nominative sentences, the word-sentences in Middle Armenian represent the sensuality of the works of fiction.

The word-sentences are not widely used in Middle Armenian which is explained not only by the restriction of the expressive means, but also by the content of the traditional sources.