Abstract:
Based on statistical analysis of consonants’ distribution in Georgian
Proper Nouns and taking into account gender differences some
generalizations might be suggested: Female proper nouns mostly represent
r, l, m, n sonorant consonants, while male proper nouns – fricatives,
occlusives and affricates (mostly glottalized ones). The statistic data
give arguments to interpret consonants distribution as some kind of
Phonetic Symbolism:
Female nouns symbolizing general image of females’ soft nature
are represented by soft, sonorant sounds, while male nouns symbolizing
general image of males’ (physical strength, power, rudeness, and so
on) – by sharp, abrupt, cleft sounds.
The paper presents tables showing statistic data reflecting appearances
of various consonants in Georgian Proper Nouns.
