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Kinds of “complexion”: a linguist’s view
https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2022-8-281-298
Abstract
The anthropocentric approach assumes the idea of an absolute observer in relation to a person, in particular, his or her face, which, along with others, has a sign of color. It is the complexion that can serve as the basis for the nickname of a person. The results of the discourse analysis of the materials of the National Corpus of the Russian language for the period of 1772–2016 allow us to distinguish three positions of observation of face color, in which it is perceived as an object 1) exotic, 2) diagnostic and 3) aesthetic. The possibilities of combining these positions are noted. A color thesaurus of adjectives denoting complexion (more than 70 units) and naming primary colors and their shades, as well as complex colors, has been compiled. Changes in complexion can be more or less prolonged, natural or artificial, caused by external conditions or the inner state of a person. The relationship between complexion and emotional state, conceptualized in language and recorded in fiction, has been confirmed by modern experimental studies in the field of biology and medicine. In conclusion, the sociocultural reasons for the transformation of the positions of the observer of the complexion have been revealed: the processes of globalization and the principle of political correctness cause the reduction of the exotic look; commercialization and the development of the “beauty industry” actualize the aesthetic, although the aesthetic ideal changes, while the intersection of the positions of the doctor and the artist continues.
About the Author
I. V. VysotskayaRussian Federation
Irina V. Vysotskaya, Dr. of Sci. (Philology), associate professor
bld. 1, Pirogova St., Novosibirsk, 630090
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Supplementary files
For citation: Vysotskaya I.V. Kinds of “complexion”: a linguist’s view. RSUH/RGGU Bulletin: “Literary Teory. Linguistics. Cultural Studies”, Series. 2022;1(8-2):281-298. https://doi.org/10.28995/2686-7249-2022-8-281-298
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