Nadiia Brailian
Research Fellow of the Research Institute for Press Studies
Vasyl Stefanyk National Scientific Library of Ukraine in Lviv
(Lviv, Ukraine)
DOI:
Ironic Pseudonyms of Ukrainian Authors of the 19th–21st centuries: patterns of formation and functional load
This article explores ironic pseudonyms used by Ukrainian authors from the 19th to the 21st century, focusing on characteristic formation patterns and their functional load. The study aims to identify ironic signatures within the corpus of Ukrainian pseudonyms compiled in «Hidden Names: A Dictionary of Pseudonyms of Ukrainian Authors of the XIX–XXI Centuries», to analyse their structural characteristics, to systematise them accordingly, and to determine the specifics of their functional load. The research methodology combines: systematic, analytical and descriptive approaches, which enabled the selection and classification of ironic pseudonyms, an investigation of their construction methods, and an identification of their functions and distinguishing features.
The novelty of the article lies in the fact that ironic pseudonyms of Ukrainian authors are studied for the first time as a distinct and cohesive group, characterised by specific formation patterns, multifaceted functions, and internal interconnections. Conclusions: The study finds that a substantial number of pseudonyms used by Ukrainian authors exhibit signs of irony – ambiguity, allusion, reference, wordplay, or riddles – and can be classified as ironic pseudonyms. Based on the materials of the material in «Hidden Names: A Dictionary of Pseudonyms of Ukrainian Authors of the XIX–XXI Centuries», these pseudonyms have been categorised into two main groups: 1) those derived from autonyms or real initials; 2) those unrelated to the autonyms. Each group is further divided into subgroups based on specific formation techniques.
The study identifies a wide range of strategies for constructing ironic pseudonyms, including examples that combine multiple techniques in a single name. The functions inherent in ironic pseudonyms are analysed, revealing pronounced multifunctionality. A number of features of the functional load of ironic pseudonyms have been identified, namely: their diversity, varying degrees of functional expression across different pseudonyms; and the dominant presence of one or more functions other than the primary one – most commonly characteristic, aesthetic, symbolic, comic, playful.
Examples of multi-layered usage and literary hoaxes constructed with the help of ironic pseudonyms are presented. The study emphasizes both the high informational value of such pseudonyms and the importance of contextual awareness in their interpretation.
Keywords: Ukrainian authors, ironic pseudonyms, formation patterns, functional load.
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