The lexical-semantic field “coffee” in English and Russian: structure and cross-linguistic differences (based on dictionary definitions and collocations of the lexeme “coffee”)

The aim of this study is to identify the specific characteristics of the lexical-semantic field of the word “coffee” in English and Russian. Initially, a comparison of dictionary definitions of “coffee” is conducted, analyzing their composition and structure. This leads to the observation that English dictionaries emphasize the pragmatic aspect (methods of preparation and consumption), whereas Russian dictionaries focus on the general properties of the beverage. Subsequently, the established collocations of this lexeme are examined, on the basis of which key characteristics of the phenomenon under investigation are identified and classified. This classification allows for the documentation of differences in its representation in the two languages. Specifically, English exhibits a wider range of units related to primary processing of raw materials, consumption culture, and association-based units, while Russian displays a greater number of units describing the process of consumption and social interaction. The scientific novelty of this research lies in its novel comparison of the syntagmatic relations of the word “coffee” in English and Russian from the perspective of their similarities and differences, along with conjectures regarding the origins of these differences. The outcome of this work is a classification of characteristics relevant to this object, serving as the primary elements of the lexical-semantic field in question in both English and Russian.