Non-Switchable and Switchable Direct Evidentiality in Russian-Language Perfume Criticism Discourse

Introduction. This article investigates the markers of non-switchable and switchable direct evidentiality in the discourse of Russian-language perfume criticism. The study defines these two types of direct evidentiality, which differ in the level of control the conscious subject has over perception. It analyzes the semantic and contextual parameters that differentiate them and establishes the quantitative ratio of markers for non-switchable and switchable direct evidentiality within a corpus of perfume criticism texts. The aim of the article is to identify and characterize non-switchable and switchable direct evidentiality for the purpose of its subsequent incorporation into the description of the Russian-language discursive practice of critical perfume blogging and the actualized semantics of perceptual verbs such as slýshat’ and chúvstvovat’. Methodology, methods, and techniques. The research employed methods of semantic analysis, along with elements of quantitative and contextual analysis. The research material comprises 220 texts created by bloggers managing Russian-language perfume-themed channels (the Telegram channels Fragrantius and Dukhi naiznanku). Results. Based on the conducted research, the study establishes specific varieties of direct evidentiality that take into account the parameter of uncontrolled/controlled perception, which determines the specifics of the experiential use of the verbs slýshat’ and chúvstvovat’. It is noted that nonswitchable direct evidentiality represents, at the textual level, primarily the physiological contact of the perceiver with the object of influence — the source of the scent — and is realized in contexts characterized by an incomplete delineation of the olfactory sensation. Switchable direct evidentiality implies the manageability of perception by the conscious subject and is realized in more complete and detailed contexts of a qualifying type. Furthermore, critical perfume blogging is more characterized by the mode of switchable direct evidentiality, in accordance with which the conscious subject controls the perception of the fragrance in order to qualify the olfactory response. Scientific novelty. This study represents the first attempt to distinguish between two types of direct evidentiality based primarily on the parameter of controllability/uncontrollability of olfactory perception by the subject of consciousness. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in the development of academic courses on the theory of evidentiality, pragmalinguistics, discourse analysis, and linguosensorics.