Functions of Phonesthemes in O. Wild’s Works

Abstract

The paper considers the functioning of phonesthemes in the English language and their role in speech. Scholars tend to regard phonesthemes as part of the emic system, compiling ‘lists’ of phonesthemes, each of them being consistently endowed with meaning. In this article phonesthemes are investigated not as sound clusters in separate words but from the point of view of realization of these units in speech. For the analysis we chose O. Wild’s stories. Investigation of the material shows that phonesthemes in Wild’s works perform such functions as synonymic condensation, rhythm forming function, emphasizing the contrast of words or phrases. He often resorted to combining repetitions that helped him create vivid, memorable images.