Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, volume 512

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Folklore, Language,

Education and Exhibition (ICOFLEX 2019)

The Meanings of Idioms With the Word ‘Tongue’ in

Russian Language
Nia Kurnia Sofiah1*
1
Russian Studies Linguistic Department Faculty of Humanities Universitas Indonesia Depok, Indonesia
*
Corresponding author. Email: niakurniasofiah@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Idioms are phrases or sentences which have different meanings from their literal meanings. Idioms are parts
of expressions in language and the usage of idioms will enrich the speech, making the speech to become
more interesting. The ability to use idioms shows the advance competence in the language comprehension
since the structures and the meanings of idioms are not applied to common patterns. Metaphors, which are
culture based, are very strongly related to idioms. Thus, the language teachers and students need to consider
the morphosyntax and semantics in order to make sure that there is a precise understanding of the idioms’
interpretations. This paper discussed idioms in Russian language which contained the word ‘tongue’ in
order to trace the meanings of idioms based on the metaphors used. Each of the idioms was examined in
terms of morphosyntax and semantic aspects to get the appropriate meanings through the denotation and
connotation using literature study and analytical descriptive method. The data were taken from a non-
literary text titled A Book of Russian Idioms Illustrated written by Dubrovin (1980). The conclusion of this
research shows that the meanings of the idioms are related to the people characters.

Keywords: Language comprehension, Metaphor, Morphosyntax, Russian idioms, Semantics

with the word “tongue”. The source of the idioms is a

book titled “ A book of Russian Idioms ilustrated” [5].
1. INTRODUCTION In order to understand the Russian idiomatic
expressions, it is essential to understand the Russian
Guralnik [1] defines idiomatic expressions as the grammars. The Russian grammars consist of Morphology
expressions which have different meanings from the and syntax. In Popov [6], morphology is a tool for
literal meanings of the words used. This situation leads to learning the parts of speech (lexically and gramatically),
a possibility of misunderstanding for people who do not the gramatical meanings, the word formation, and the
have good comprehension of the idiomatic expression. gramatical categories. Nouns are one part of a speech and
The reason behind the misunderstanding is the thick also the main sources of the data in this paper. There are
cultural components in the idiomatic expressions. three features of nouns [3]. Firstly, it is the general
Metaphors as a part of the culture will be related to the meaning of the object as the semantic. Secondly, it is the
meanings of the expressions [2]. The teachers and the informations about genders, numbers, cases and also
students need to pay attention to the structures and the animate and inanimate as the morphological feature.
meanings in the expressions. Therefore, the good Thirdly, it is the role of the nouns in the sentence as the
comprehension of the cultural components will be very syntactical feature. In Popov [6] syntax is a tool for
helpful in order to understand the expressions. learning the sentences and frases. The primary members
The idiomatic expressions which will be discussed in of a sentence are subjects and predicate while atributes,
this paper are idioms from Russian language which objects and other information are the secondary. The
contain the word язык (jazyk) or ‘tongue’. This word is definition of frases are a unity of words that has relations
chosen since the word is polysemi in meanings [3]. The in attributive, objective and adverbial [6]. There are two
first meaning is tongue as a part of human body, it means patterns for the sentences in considerations of the agent
that the word will be close to the speakers and the existence. Those two patterns are the active and the
closeness will lead to the thickness of the culture in it [4]. passive constructions [7].
The tongue is used for speaking, which leads to the Nouns in Russian language has three characters which
second meaning, tongue as in language. This unique fact are genders, cases and numbers. There are three genders,
will be related to the meaning of the idiomatic expressions amely мужской род (mužkoj rod) ‘masculine’, женский

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 Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, volume 512

род (ženskij rod) ‘feminine’, and средний род (srednij of the idioms. The second is the semantics analysis which
rod) ‘neutral’ [8]. Six case types in Russian language for was done in order to find out the meanings, including the
nouns are именительный падеж (imenitel’nyj padež) metaphors attached to the idioms. These two steps
‘nominative case’, родительный падеж (roditel’nyj (morphosyntax and semantics) will be the content of the
padež) ‘genitive case’, дательный падеж (datel’nyj descriptions for the idioms. These two ways of analysis
padež) ‘dative case’, винительный падеж (vinitel’nyj are used in order to compare the literal and the semantic
padež) ‘accusative case’, творительный падеж meanings of the idiomatic expressions. After the analysis
(tvoritel’nyj padež) ‘instrumental case’, and process and the descriptions, the conclusions are drawn.
предложный падеж (predložnyj padež) ‘prepositional There are ten idioms with the word язык (jazyk) or
case’ [8]. Two categories of number in Russian language ‘tongue’ discussed in this paper.
are единственное число (edinstvennoe čislo) ‘singular’
and множественное число ‘plural’ [8].
Verbs in Russian language has three characters which 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
shows the agents, times (tenses) and aspects [3]. Each
agent in Russian language has its own form of The first idiomatic expression is Бежать высунув
conjugations. There are three time signals which are past, язык (bezat’ vysunuv jazyk) or ‘to run with one’s tongue
present and future. There are two aspects which are hanging out’. For this expression, the язык (jazyk)
imperfective and perfective. Suffixes are used to show ‘tongue’ is in the accusative case as the part of attributive
those three characters of Russian verbs [3]. of the predicate which is the word бежать (bezat’) ‘to
Nouns and verbs are used very frequently in sentences run’ together with the word высунув (vysnuv) ‘hanging
or expressions including idioms. Idioms are not just a out . The verb бежать (bezat’) ‘to run’ is written in the
simple sentence or utterances since it is very related to infinitive form. The denotation is the reality that the
metaphors. This happens since Idioms are unique[9] and person is running with the tongue hanging out. If the
Idioms in Russian language are very specific for Russians tongue is hanging out of their mouth, it means that the
with emotional contents; the emotional expressions might person is having a difficulty to breath since he runs very
have no similarity in other languages [10]. The reason fast without stopping. This then becomes the connotation
behind its uniqueness is metaphors. The definition of and the referred meaning of this first idiomatic
metaphors is expressions or words that is used in expression.
figurative forms for showing characters, especially for the The second is Держать язык за зубами (Derzat’
similarity of colors, volumes, forms and purposes [3]. The jazyk za zubami) ‘to hold (someone’s) tongue behind
languages are applied for both idioms and metaphors. (someone’s) teeth’. For this expression, the язык (jazyk)
Therefore, they are very cultural based since languages ‘tongue’ is in the accusative case. The verb Держать
are one of the signs in culture [3]. (Derzat’) ‘ to hold’ is written in the infinitive form. The
In order to learn about signs, we need to learn about denotation is the literal meaning of the expression which
semantics [11]. From learning the signs, we can figure out is to hold (someone’s) tongue behind (someone’s) teeth.
the meanings. Words or sentences are signs in languages This literal meaning of the denotation leads us to the
and they can form expressions. One of the language connotative meaning described as follows. If someone’s
expressions is idioms. tongue is being hold behind his teeth, it means that his
The denotation and connotation are also applied to tongue does not move. The tongue can not make
learn signs. Denotation is a sign of reality [12]. movements since there are teeth that restrain the tongue.
Connotation is new meanings for the signs which have If his tongue does not move, it means that the person who
been developed based on the speakers’ culture [12]. owns the tongue will not be able to speak or produce any
The discussions about the Russian grammars and utterances well. He will become silent. The word “hold”
semantics is elaborated since it is connected to the aim of refers to an activity of keep, control or stop something
this paper. The aim of this paper is to compare the literal temporarily [14]. It means that the tongue is controlled by
and the semantic meanings of the idiomatic exspressions. stopping it from talking for a while. If a person stopped
The comparisons will reveal the culture of the speakers his tongue from talking for a while, it means that he takes
using the idiomatic expressions. time in talking. While he takes time in talking, he is
thinking about what he want to say. This means that he is
cautious in what he says. These all come to the real
2. METHODS meaning of the expression which is that to keep silent and
to be cautious in what someone says.
The descriptive-analytical method was used in this The third is Длинный язык (Dlinnyj jazyk) ‘long
paper. The occuring data will be collected, processed and tongue’. For this expression, the язык (jazyk) ‘tongue’ is
analyzed in order to describe the phenomenon [13]. All a member of a phrase and in the nominative case with an
the data is taken from “A book of Russian Idioms adjective as the attributive. The denotation for the
ilustrated” [5]. First, the data will be written in the expression is that the tongue is long. This means that the
Russian alphabet or cyrilic. The Russian cyrilic will be teeth can not hold the tongue anymore. It becomes the
italized. Then the expressions will be transliterated into opposite of the second expression above. Since the teeth
latin. The english meanings will then be provided. The can not hold it anymore, the tongue keeps moving. If the
following steps are the two ways used to analyze the tongue keeps moving, it means that the person who owns
idiomatic expressions. The first is the morphosyntax the tongue will keep talking. He becomes talkative and
analysis which was done in order to find out the structures may lose control on what he might say. Another situation

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is that the person will spread the words that is supposed to something. Therefore, the connotative meaning refers to
be a secret. The connotations mentioned lead to the real the act of making someone speak or say something.
meaning of the expression which is being too talkative or The eight is Чесать язык (Cesat’ jazyk) ‘to scratch
not being able to control of what is said or cannot keep a (someone’s) tongue’. For this expression, the язык (jazyk)
secret. ‘tongue’ is in the accusative case. The verb Чесать
The fourth is Как корова языком слизала (Kak (cesat’) ‘ to scracth’ is written in the infinitive form. The
korova jazykom slizala) ‘ As if a cow has licked it off denotation can be inferred from the word чесать (cesat’)
with its tongue’. For this expression, the язык (jazyk) ‘to scratch’ which refers to the act of scratching,
‘tongue’ is in a phrase together with the word слизала involving the use of hands to do the activity. It means that
(slizala) ‘ lick’ and in the instrumental case. The word at least two things are involved: the hand and the tongue.
слизала (slizala) ‘ lick’ is in the past tense form for the The word чесать (cesat’) ‘to scratch’also refers to an
third agent. The suffix that is used is –ала (-ala) to activity which is done repeatedly and intensely. When
indicate that the agent of the action is a feminine singular. something is scratched, the surface of the thing is moved
The literal meaning or the denotation refers to a cow and repeatedly. It means that if the tongue is scratched, it
its habit. In real situation, the cow eats grass by licking means that the tongue is moved repeatedly and it involves
the grass using its tongue until the root was plucked. It another thing beside the tongue to scratch it. If the tongue
means that the grass which has been licked is taken off is moved, it means that the tongue produces utterances.
from the ground or uprooted. If the grass is uprooted, it Therefore, the meaning of the expression refers to a
means that the grass will disappear without a trace. This person who is talking continously or chatting with another
leads to the connotative meaning of the expression which person.
refers to someone or something who disappeared without The ninth is Язык сломаешь (Jazyk slomaesh’)
a trace. Although this seems like it is nothing to do with ‘(You) break the tongue’. For this expression, the язык
the ‘tongue’ as the tool of producing utterance, if (jazyk) ‘tongue’ is in the accusative case in a sentence
someone or something dissapeared, one will not able to with the active construction. The agent is not clearly
find information and talk about it anymore. written in the sentence. To find information about the
The fifth is Проглотить язык (proglotit’ jazyk) ‘ to agent or the doer, the suffix – ешь (esh’) is essential
swallow (someone’s) tongue’. For this expression, the since the suffix in Russian verb refers to ‘you’ as the
язык (jazyk) ‘tongue’ is in the accusative case. The verb agent. It is very common in the Russian verbs to not
Проглотить (proglotit’) ‘ to swallow’ is written in the clearly mention the agent and give the suffix in the verb
infinitive form. The denotation refers to the literal act of instead for giving information about the agent or the
swallowing the tongue. If the tongue is swallowed, it subject. The subject is hidden. It means that the Russian
means that the tongue is not in its position any more. If people does not pay attention to the subject but focus on
the tongue is not in its position, it means that there is no the action. The denotation for the expression is that if the
instrument to talk. No utterances will be produced. It tongue is broken, it will not work optimally in producing
leads to the connotative meaning of the expression which utterances since it is not in good condition. The result of
refers to a person who stopped talking or becomes silent. the utterances (a word or a phrase or a sentence) will be
The sixth is Развязать язык (razvjazat’ jazyk) ‘ to difficult to hear or understand since it is also difficult for
untie (someone’s) tongue’. For this expression, the язык the tongue to produce them. This leads to the meaning of
(jazyk) ‘tongue’ is in the accusative case. The verb the expression which is difficulties to pronounce a word
Развязать (razvjazat’) ‘to untie’ is written in the or a phrase.
infinitive form. The denotation of the expression is that The tenth is Язык хорошо подвешен (Jazyk xorosho
the word to untie the tongue means that the tongue is tied podveshen) ‘Tongue is hung well’. For this expression,
before. If the tongue is tied, it means that the tongue can the язык (jazyk) ‘tongue’ is in a sentence and in the
not move. If the tongue is not moving, it means that the nominative case. The sentence is in the passive
person who owns the tongue can not talk or is silent. The construction. The literal meaning of хорошо (xorosho)
word ‘untie the tongue’ means that the tongue is now free ‘good’ in the expression refers to the optimal position of
of ties and can move again. If the tongue can do its the tongue. It means that the tongue can work optimally.
movement, it means that the tongue can produce The passive construction can also refers to the condition
utterances again. Therefore, the connotative meaning of of the tongue that is in a perfect shape and function.
the expression is about the person who can speak again Therefore, the connotative meaning refers to a person who
after he is being silenced. is a smooth talker or a person who is really good at
The seventh is Тянуть за язык (Tjanut’ za jazyk) ‘to talking and persuading others. The mastery of the
pull (someone) by the tongue’. For this expression, the speaking skill makes him easy to make others follow and
язык (jazyk) ‘tongue’ is in the accusative case. The verb obey what he said.
Тянуть (tjanut’) ‘ to pull’ is written in the infinitive form.
The word ‘pull the tongue’ can refer to the activity of
moving the position of the tongue to be outside of the 4. CONCLUSION
mouth. If the tongue is not restricted behind the teeth
anymore, it means that the tongue can produce utterances The idioms as a unique expressions can not be taken
since the teeth as the barrier can not hold it anymore and literally since the meaning can not be derived only from
the tongue can be free to move. This means that the the literal meaning and structures. We need to consider
person who owns the tongue, will be able to speak or say the cultural components along with the metaphors
embedded in it. This means that the semantic meaning

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