Using English Evaluative Adjectives in the Function of the Interjection

Abstract

The article considers using English evaluative adjectives as interjections. Following Bloh, we treat the interjection as a class of functional words within the system of the parts of speech. We believe that the interjection comprises two kinds of units: the ones in the form of a word, a phrase or a sentence used to express emotions and volition (‘interjections proper’) and those used in the function of the interjection (‘interjection-like units’). In accord with that, two subtypes are distinguished: ‘adjectival interjections’ and ‘adjectival interjection-like units’. Both subtypes were analyzed using different linguistic methods in terms of their form, meaning and function in dialogues and monologues taken from British and American novels of the late 20th – the early 21th centuries. The study revealed a tendency to use interjection-like units more often than interjections proper, which can be explained by the fact that interjection-like units allow speakers not only to express their emotions, but also to express their attitudes towards the thing or person in question. The study shows two possible ways for further studies: a) the way other parts of speech used in the function of the interjection and b) the way interjection-like units used in other forms of discourse, especially those of the Internet media types which is the most popular way of communication in the modern world.