LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE GELATI TRANSLATIONS: COMPOSITIONAL-DERIVATIONAL MODELS IN THE TEXTS OF THE MINOR PROPHETS

Abstract

The development and enrichment of a language’s expressive means is a gradual process, influenced not only by internal linguistic dynamics but also by contact with other languages, particularly through translation. This study investigates compositional and derivational word-formation models in the Georgian translations of the Minor Prophets found in the Gelati Bible (A-1108) and related exegetical collections.

The Gelati translation school, active in the 12th century, played a crucial role in expanding the Georgian lexicon through innovative use of derivational morphology and, to a lesser extent, composition. While earlier translations often relied on calques from Greek, Gelati translators demonstrated increased autonomy and creativity, employing native affixation and compound formation to meet the lexical demands of biblical texts. The paper explores the structural parallels and divergences between Georgian and Greek compound models, addressing the complex task of distinguishing inherited native forms from Greek-influenced constructions.

In addition to the Gelati Bible, the study also draws on exegetical works attributed to Theodoret of Cyrus preserved in manuscript S-417 (12th c.), its 16th-century copy K-3, and manuscript K-1 (16th c.). These texts provide a valuable basis for analyzing productive word-formation patterns. The research emphasizes the dynamic interplay between translation and linguistic innovation, arguing that translation practices - particularly in religious and philosophical texts - served as a catalyst for the diachronic refinement of Georgian lexical resources. Ultimately, the study highlights the sophistication of Georgian translators and the linguistic depth of the Gelati tradition in shaping classical Georgian literary language.

Key Words: Gelati Bible; Minor Prophets; Word-formation; Composition; Derivation; Theodoret of Cyrus; Metaphrastic Collections.