Comparative Study of Language Structure and Grammatical Universals

BACKGROUND The study compares the linguistic structure and grammatical features of two West Germanic languages English and German in order to identify and describe linguistic universals. The research is relevant as it highlights the tendency toward convergence within the Germanic language family. A review of scholarly literature provides a theoretical foundation for the comparative analysis of these languages. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study employs a range of linguistic methods, including synthesis and analysis, diachronic and synchronic approaches, and comparative, structural, genetic, and generalisation methods. These approaches enable an in-depth examination of both grammatical structures and lexical phenomena in English and German. RESULTS Findings confirm the kinship of English and German through shared lexemes and structural similarities at both the lexical and grammatical levels. A German study on professional nomenclature revealed two main types of lexical borrowing: direct borrowing, with complete preservation of form and meaning, and hybrid borrowing, where only one component of a compound word is borrowed. Historical contact led to significant German influence on English, particularly in the late 18th century and the 1930s–1940s. Many Germanisms subsequently became internationalisms, while others are now regarded as historicisms. The analysis also underscores differences in the use of verb tenses, which carry specific semantic nuances in each language. CONCLUSION The study contributes to understanding the processes of language convergence and lexical interaction between English and German. Its novelty lies in the examination of professional terminology and lexical borrowing in contemporary contexts, a field that requires continuous scholarly attention. The findings have practical implications for foreign language learning, as knowledge of underlying genetic processes and shared linguistic features can facilitate mastery of both languages.