«Etymological Dictionary of Slavic Languages. Proto-Slavic Lexical Stock»»: The Project, Development, State, Problems, Solutions

The article highlights important issues of the work on the «Etymological Dictionary of Slavic Languages» (ESSYa), an impressive project based on the concept of the outstanding linguist, the academician O.N. Trubachev. The context of the origin and development of the idea of creating a unique dictionary is described, and the main principles of reconstruction of the Proto-Slavic lexical fund, which formed its basis, are formulated. The initial idea assumes etymologization not only of literary, but also other strata of all Slavic languages (historical, dialectal and slang vocabulary). The urgent problems in the world etymological science (personnel, financial ones), which are experienced by the ESSJa team, are outlined, due to which it is forced to deviate a little from the original plan. However, the main task remains unchanged; the problems are solved by restricting Proto-Slavic derivations of the third degree and some late formations of Slavic languages.