Complexity as a textual, linguistic and metalinguistic category

The article attempts to systematize the linguistic (metalinguistic, textual) content of the concept complex / complexity. For this purpose, linguistic and non-linguistic contexts with complex / complexity are analyzed, primarily from the point of view of evaluativeness and markedness – unmarkedness. The main meanings and synonyms of complexity, spheres of complexity (communicative and non-communicative, mental (conceptual)), degrees and purposes of complexity (intentional and unintentional – accidental, indifferent or unwanted complexity are distinguished), complexity evaluation (it is shown that in most contexts complexity carries a negative evaluation, with the exception of several specific groups of contexts) are revealed. The terminological and semi-terminological meanings of “complex” in different spheres are revealed. The nature of complexity as a shifter concept (dialectical unity of simplicity ~ complexity) is discussed. Much attention is paid to the so-called complexity in simplicity, realizing the concessive meaning of simplicity. A separate micro-study is concerned with linguistic contexts of complexity (complexity of language and languages, text, speech communication, including psychological and social complexity of human relationships). Metalinguistic complexity and attempts to overcome it are discussed in connection with the semantic metalanguage of A. Wierzbicka, as well as different semiotic types of “complex” signs, languages, texts.