‘пусть’의 문법화와 의미· 기능적 확장

Abstract

This study investigates the grammaticalization, semantic extension, and functional shift of the Russian particle pust’, tracing how it has changed over time. The analysis shows that pust’ evolved from a simple directive marker into a complex element spanning diverse semantic and syntactic functions. Its development can be characterized in three stages. First, pust’ exhibits canonical signs of grammaticalization—morpho-phonological erosion, tighter bonding with adjacent material, increased paradigmaticity, loss of syntactic autonomy, and semantic bleaching—while retaining intermediate properties: prosodic prominence, flexible combinability including separation from the verb or clause-initial independence, and variable word order. It is therefore grammaticalized yet only partially, preserving lexical independence and pockets of syntactic autonomy. Second, semantically, pust’ extends from its prototype meaning of indirect imperative to values such as lament/regret, acceptance, supposition, and non-interference, forming a contiguity-based semantic network. As the focal point shifts within this conceptual space, pust’ serves a range of discourse-pragmatic purposes beyond a narrow grammatical frame. Third, at the functional level, pust’ acquires concessive connective status, linking discourse segments. This concessive use represents the most advanced stage, marking a transition from particle to meaning-bearing connective. Overall, the trajectory of pust’ is not a simple linear path from grammaticalization to semantic and then functional change. Rather, it reflects a complex interplay among structural reorganization, pragmatic demands, and social context, with implications for grammaticalization theory and discourse-functional studies.