Abstract
The article deals with genre peculiarities of one of the most interesting manuscripts of the 11th century, Codex Suprasliensis, written in common literary language of all Slavs. The manuscripts is the March Menology, including 48 fragments: 24 homilies and 24 lives of saints and martyrs, who form a considerable part of the medieval society. The authors of the article analyze the language of the Life of Jacob Chornoryzets (the Monk) in details. The analysis of the language units helps to reveal not only the key lexemes, characterizing the life drama of Saint Jacob (who falls into mortal sin after the saintly life of the monk, but can pray the forgiveness), but also set units, functioning in ancient times as well as now, and enriching the Russian language (for example, thump one’s chest, be at a loss, servant of God, Devil`s vessel, fear of the Lord and etc.). Metaphoric reframe of the Saint`s moral torments is also interesting (the image of storm, the state of the man, who rushes down the hill). The authors conclude that the language of the Life is very emotional, fi gurative, and it transfuses different dramatic events from the life of the monk-hermit. Jacob`s life differs from the lives of the other saints, and this specifi c trait makes the Codex Suprasliensis worthless. It is the medieval manuscript of great value.
Keywords
Codex Suprasliensis, Lives of the Saints, Jacob Chornoryzets (the Monk), common literary Slavic language, set units
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