Semantic Analysis of “Realia” in Discourse
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Abstract
Language serves not only as a tool for communication but as a medium for encoding cultural identity, memory, and worldview. Within this system, realia—words tied to culturally specific objects, practices, and institutions—hold a unique place due to their embeddedness in particular socio-historical contexts. Despite their prevalence, the semantic, pragmatic, and translational complexities of realia remain underexplored, especially in interdisciplinary discourse analysis. This study aims to classify realia, examine their denotative and connotative meanings, and evaluate their communicative, cultural, and semiotic functions across various discourse genres. The analysis identifies realia as multidimensional linguistic signs that challenge conventional semantic theories and translational practices. They convey not only referential information but also ideological stances, emotional resonance, and social positioning. Realia also serve as semiotic condensers and carriers of cultural memory, especially in literary and intercultural contexts. The paper integrates semantic theory, cultural semiotics, and pragmatics to propose a comprehensive framework for understanding realia beyond literal translation, emphasizing their contextual fluidity and symbolic richness. Recognizing the role of realia enhances intercultural competence, translation accuracy, and discourse authenticity. As globalization reshapes communication, scholars, educators, and translators must adopt more culturally sensitive and context-aware strategies to engage with these lexically rich units effectively.
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