Emotional expressive lexis in the novel Delije na Bihaću

Abstract

The paper is the analysis of Ćopić’s novel Delije na Bihaću, i. e. of its marked lexis, which is divided into emotionally-expressive lexis and stylistically marked lexis. There are different typologies of lexis in our language (see e. g. Halilović/Tanović/Šehović 2009). This study, however, employs the classification offered by Katnić-Bakaršić (2007). The analysis includes idioms, loanwords and diminutives extracted from Ćopić’s final novel. Seeking the best way to describe experiences and impressions, Ćopić opted for emotive, inherently expressive language. The analysis of native idiomatic and lexical specifics of the novel reveals the extent to which the use of authentic lexis contributes to a more convincing and credible characterization of characters and gives a clearer picture of the social and linguistic aspects in Krajina during that particular period.