Department of Slavic Languages

Course Description

Categorization as a conclusion drawn from phenomenological similarity is the driving force in cognitive processes and shapes the grammatical system of human language as well as the expressive use of language in literature. The seminar will consider different forms of similarity like coincidence, analogy, cooccurence, comparison, allegory and metaphor, starting from auditive similarities like case syncretism in language or rhyme in literature, going over to visual-observable shared features like epigraphy in writing or length of sentences in prose, finally analysing complex metaphorical transfers like grammatical tense respectively density of description. The phenomena will be discussed on the material of Ukrainian language and literature, both in original and in translation. The seminar will serve as a platform for discussing the interplay of language as a system, expression as an intention, and medium as their manifestation. Knowledge of a (preferably East) Slavic language is not mandatory, but intensive interest in linguistics and literature are expected.

Faculty

Faculty of Languages, Literature, and Culture

Department

Department of Slavic Languages

Lecturer

Prof. Dr. Thomas Daiber,Dr. Rostyslav Semkiv

Study Period (dd/mm/yy)

13/04/2026 - 17/07/2026

Mode and Time

Synchronous

start date: April 2026 (the plan of seminar will take into account the different semester times between NaUKMA and JLU; don't miss the first meeting)

Class Format

Seminar

Collaboration

NaUKMA Kyiv, Ukraine/Dr. Rostyslav Semkiv