Andrejka Žejn

The relationship between developments in a “real” society and the portrayal of this society in literature can be studied by analyzing the linguistic picture of the world using the componential analysis method. The concept of the linguistic picture of the world has been developed by various interdisciplinary directions in Europe and the US, relying on the ideas of Wilhelm von Humboldt, who conceived of language as a specific manifestation of culture. The linguistic picture of the world is an interpretation, conceptualization, and presentation of the world conveyed through language. A componential analysis was conducted to compare the semantic components of the concept of early-nineteenth-century society and the components of the same concept in a literary work of the Slovenian Biedermeier (i.e., the first original Slovenian narrative). The results of this analysis showed differences in the concept’s content that can be identified as criticism of the real society and an alternative reading option.

This article examines the role of sound in literary texts, focusing on how silent reading recreates sonic effects. The research discusses the question of whether sound-meaning links are inherent or conventional, ranging from Plato’s, Saussure’s, Peirce’s, and Jakobson’s points of view on the matter. In particular, sound symbolism and Jakobson’s poetic function highlight how phonetic literary tools can shape aesthetics in writing. An empirical analysis of selected Josip Stritar’s 19th-century novels reveals the author’s frequent use of onomatopoeia, alliteration, and rhythm to create evocative prose. In fact, though often associated with poetry, sound-based elements also enrich narrative texts in prose, suggesting specific atmospheres and emotional depth. These writing features showcase the complexity and importance of sound in literature.