Functional features of the verb unterhalten

The focus is on the verb unterhalten and its functional-semantic potential. We consider it in the aspect of actualization of the category of emotive causativity. However, the meaning of the emotive causative is not the main one for this lexeme, but a derivative one. This leaves an imprint on its functioning in speech. The emotive component is not integrated into the semantic potential of the verb, but is determined by the situation and actualized by elements that characterize the situation in terms of its quality, duration, evaluation, etc. In this way, intercategorical interaction is realized; we can consider the situation with such a verb as complex. The category of instrumentality also becomes an important element of it. The results of human activity can act as an instrument in the situation of causation of emotional modification actualized by the verb unterhalten: products of speech activity (stories, stories, fairy tales, jokes, etc.), musical works (singing, songs, ballads, etc.), human qualities (humor), musical genres (rock and roll, blues, opera, etc.), actions (concerts, dances, duels, etc.). Such actualization of the instrument category emphasizes the interpersonal character inherent in emotive causatives in general. Interpersonality in the situation with the analyzed verb can be of an autocausative and reciprocal nature, in which case the verb functions as a reflexive one.