Shukia Apridonidze. The Structure and Functioning of Forms of Address in Modern Georgian

Abstract

First published in 2023, the monograph by Professor Shukia Apridonidze, The Structure and Functioning of Forms of Address in Modern Georgian is the first work in Georgian to present a reinterpretation of the notion of address and to treat the theme in detail through theoretical analysis and offering practical recommendations. This publication launched the book series The
Library of Kartvelian Studies at Ilia State University.
The forms of address incorporate not only vocative forms of nouns, but also verbal forms (imperatives), as well as interrogative forms (both special and general questions). Ellipted or signaling forms are also added to the list.
“Although the purpose of the work is to study the structure and functioning of diverse forms of address in modern Georgian, the history of the language has naturally had to be taken into account in order to find a more or less satisfactory answer to various questions”, the author says (p. 308).
Linguistic data of the regional dialects are also elaborated. The monograph consists of two parts: Part 1: The Structure of Address Forms, and Part 2: Functioning of the Forms of Address. The Relationship of the Addresser and Addressee.
The study of the forms of address focuses on phonetic (consequently rhythmic and intonational), morphological, syntactic, lexical and pragmatic issues. As such, the monograph presents a comprehensive description and detailed analysis of a number of questions dealing directly or indirectly with the problems of structure, meaning, function and utilization of the address forms.
“In describing some questions of the communication relation between the addresser and addressee, sociolinguistic and culturological aspects predominate,” Professor Apridonidze notes (p. 326), going on to describe how social-political and cultural changes have been reflected in the language.
Special attention is given to the tendencies which are language-specific, i.e. putting the taboo on proper nouns, specific forms of address used by parents for their children, Georgian speech etiquette peculiarities, and more. The last chapter covers normative questions on the use of forms of address in the standard language, and provides recommendations for Georgian language users.
This book is essential reading for scholars, students, amateurs, and for all those who show even a slight interest in the Georgian language and Georgian linguistics. The monograph preserves the distinguished voice of Professor Shukia Apridonidze, a prominent Georgian scholar, and is a valuable contribution to Georgian scholarly research.