LEXICAL, PHRASEOLOGICAL, STYLISTIC, AND GRAMMATICAL MEANS FOR CONSTRUCTING HUMOUR IN THE POPULAR SCIENCE BOOK “FRUITS VS. VEGETABLES” BY OLEKSII KOVALENKO

Abstract

The article examines linguistic means for constructing humour in Ukrainian non-fiction based on Oleksii Kovalenko’s popular science book Fruits vs. Vegetables. Despite the recent rapid development of non-fiction in the Ukrainian book market, these texts rarely become the subject of linguistic research, despite being of particular interest due to the synthesis of features from different functional styles. Oleksii Kovalenko’s book, Fruits vs. Vegetables, primarily serves an educational function, introducing the reader to botanical concepts and facts. At the same time, the author strikes a balance between informing and entertaining, thanks to a wide range of linguistic means for constructing humour. The analysis reveals that the author extensively employs lexical and phraseological devices (neologisms, terms, slang, borrowings, idioms), stylistic elements (metaphors, comparisons, epithets), and grammatical structures (addresses, interrogative sentences, parenthetical constructions) to construct humour. Neologisms of foreign origin and slang nature dominate among the lexical and phraseological means, adding informality to the presentation style. The humorous effect is enhanced by the stylistic device of constellation, mixing stylistically marked units of different levels. Phraseological units in the book are used in a context where the key words of phraseological units become an element of word play. The use of tropes in the analysed work transforms plants into real characters. Metaphors and epithets humorously describe the processes of the spread, development, and significance of plants in the life of humanity. Oleksii Kovalenko’s comparisons are quite ironic and based on social challenges. Syntactic means for constructing humour support the dialogical and ironic narrative, engaging the reader in an interactive experience. Parenthetical constructions often contrast stylistically with the main statement, for example, through the collision of youth slang with scientific terminology. The use of linguistic means of creating comedy not only enhances the expressiveness and imagery of the text but also contributes to the popularization of scientific knowledge. The prospect of further research lies in analysing other examples of Ukrainian popular science literature.