Anthroponymic Structure of Academic Discourse

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The article aims to study the anthroponymy structure of academic discourse based on the material of astronautical corpora. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve a number of specific tasks: to define the terms “anthroponym” and “eponym”, to reveal the structural types of astronautical eponyms, and to identify the functional significance of anthroponyms and eponyms.
 Methodology: The method of componential analysis and the descriptive method have been used as the primary research methods applying such techniques as observation, comparison, interpretation, and generalization. The methodological basis of the research includes discourse theory, the theory of precedence, achievements of cognitive linguistics, and studies on problems of terminology.
 Main findings: The authors propose to consider anthroponyms and eponymous terms as precedents, which are points of reference in the change of the scientific paradigm, help to systematize scientific knowledge, and navigate in its fund. The results of the study suggest that the anthroponymy structure of academic discourse provides information compression that makes the text concise without reducing information and performs a memorial function.
 Applications of this study: The research attempts to contribute to the further study of the academic discourse structure and the analytical description of its components using a cognitive-pragmatic approach. Higher education teachers can use the results of the article in lectures on the theory of academic discourse.
 Novelty/originality of this study: Few researchers have addressed astronautical academic discourse, investigating its structural and functional features. This study is the first to analyze the astronautical eponyms as super compressed signs of the precedent research.