The role of indirect naming in text construction

Abstract

This study examines the functional characteristics of indirect naming (indirect nomination), a complex linguistic and stylistic device widely employed in various forms of discourse. In contrast to direct naming, which identifies objects and phenomena through explicit lexical units, indirect naming conveys reference through descriptive, figurative, and associative expressions such as periphrasis, metaphor, metonymy, euphemism, and allusion. The analysis reveals five major functions of indirect naming: the expressive-evaluative function, which conveys emotions and subjective attitudes; the aesthetic-stylistic function, which enhances imagery and artistic effect; the cognitive-informative function, which facilitates conceptualization and interpretation; the pragmatic-communicative function, which supports politeness and addresses sociocultural sensitivities; and the textual-structural function, which contributes to coherence and cohesion within discourse. Drawing on examples from literary, journalistic, and political texts, the article demonstrates that indirect naming serves as a powerful means of meaning-making, enabling speakers and writers to represent reality in nuanced, creative, and contextually meaningful ways.