Desarrollos semánticos de los gentilicios hispánicos

Abstract

Gentilics, also called ethnonyms or demonyms, are a special kind of lexical item in languages. Their semantic-denotative function can be described as ‘related to the topos’, from which senses like ‘belonging to persons, animals, plants, etc.’ must be considered as secondary or tertiary meanings. The aim of this paper is to explain how the semantic mechanisms involved in the development of new lexical variations work to produce new adjectival and substantive meanings. A classification of the denotational spheres of the main personal senses is provided through the analysis of Spanish examples, as well as an explanation about the lexicalization processes concerned. This analysis is carried out from a semantic point of view, thus it is necessary to separate the basic meaning from the variations derived from its contextual use, since this kind of words usually incorporate positive and pejorative values. Finally, some indications about the lexicographical definitions of gentilic are suggested in order to define them according to their particular idiosyncrasy among deonomastics.