“THE BROKEN EARTH” TRILOGY BY N. K. JEMISIN: ONOMASTICON SYSTEM PECULIARITIES

Abstract

The article studies the key peculiarities of the onomasticon system in N. K. Jemisin`s “The Broken Earth” Trilogy. The fascinating and complex storyline, created by N. K. Jemisin, combines essential features of modern science fiction and fantasy genres, unveiling a diverse macrocosm where scientific descriptions of natural phenomena and magical elements coexist in a strange yet alluring harmony. Unique models of nomination and distinctive proper names are considered as an important means of the author`s alternative universe creation. Literary onyms engage readers and help them to plunge into a new intricate world. The onomasticon is described in the paper as a complex nonlinear open system, which can be divided into seven predominant subsystems: anthroponymic, toponymic, ergonymic, zoonymic, chrononymic, chrematonymic and ideonymic subsystems. Every subsystem comprises different number of groups and their elements (proper and common names created or modified by the author), which makes the structure of the system unbalanced. The subsystems can be ranked in a hierarchical order according to the relevance of their components to the storyline. The article also covers the peculiarities of proper and common names` creation. It is underlined in the research that the author preferred to use semantic method of word formation and suffixation, although word combination and conversion also contributed greatly. It is stated in the paper that the system of the onomasticon helps readers to develop a comprehensive understanding of the storyline and plays an important role in the author`s fantastic discourse. The application of the synergetic methodological approach allows scholars to provide a detailed analysis of real and literary onomasticons` structures and to identify general patterns of their functioning. The development of this approach is considered as a perspective direction for further researches.