Referential statuses of a subject and temporal non-localization in Russian proverbs: peculiarities of interaction

The paper investigates the interaction between referential statuses among subjects within the temporally static contexts characteristic of proverbs. The objective is to delineate and elucidate the particular characteristics of the relationship between a form of temporal non-localization known as supertemporality and referential ranking of subjects in Russian proverbial expressions. The source material for this study consists of proverbs drawn from the collection of Vladimir Dal. A categorically oriented situational analysis of proverbs reveals the interplay between their supertemporal aspect and the universal/generic status of their subjects. The characterization of typical situations within proverbs with the universal status of the subject is found to be achieved through distinct structural means: discrete constructions (two-part sentences with pronouns such as “everyone” or “nobody,” and others) and non-discrete constructions (single-part sentences and others). The cases of incomplete coverage of the subjects, classified as universal, within conditional constructions are noted. The attribution of generic status to subjects within the supertemporal aspect, together with the expansion of characteristics to specific groups of individuals (gender, age, social class, nationality, and others), is considered reasonable. The analysis not only examines the basic type but also investigated the adaptability of class boundaries, taking into account conditional indicators and the usage of pronouns, particles, and other relevant elements. A correlation is identified between the referential status of subjects and certain forms of supertemporality. The universal status correlates with the potential timelessness of intended actions, while the generic status correlates with situations of obligatory and potential qualitativity.