Semanic-functional classes of omens with the binary opposition “part: whole”

In this article, an attempt is made to determine the common features and differential peculiarities of some Russian folk signs using the method of structural-semiotic analysis. In the formation of many omens, the binary opposition “part: whole” is used, which remains unchanged for a certain number of folk signs, differing in lexical composition and prognoses. The actual component “part” of this binary constant, in its turn, is realized in a few binary semantic oppositions. Members of the binary semantic oppositions in which the component “part” and the forecast of the omen are realized, are interrelated and perform a structural-semiotic pattern. In accordance with this pattern, the omens, differing in their lexical composition, are formed. The reconstruction of the structural-semiotic pattern of the folk sign allows one to determine its belonging to a certain semantic-functional class.