Semantic Diffusion as a Semasiological, Conflictological and Legal Linguistic Category in the Digital Dimension

• Published in: Vestnik Volgogradskogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta. Serii͡a︡ 2, I͡A︡zykoznanie. Vol. 24; no. 1; pp. 5 - 14
• Main Authors: Golev, Nikolay, Irkova, Anna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Volgograd State University 24.04.2025
• Subjects: digital technologies; legal linguistics; linguistic conflictology; reverse machine translation; semantic diffusion; semantic uncertainty
• ISSN: 1998-9911; 2409-1979
• DOI: 10.15688/jvolsu2.2025.1.1

The article is devoted to the study of semantic ambiguity of legal texts on environmental topics using innovative digital methods. The aim of the work is to identify patterns of semantic diffusion as a semasiological, conflictological and legal linguistic category based on the analysis of federal and regional laws. Using computer programmes that provide reverse translation and check texts for similarity, semantic shifts caused by the ambiguity of the source text were identified. It was determined that an extract from a federal law is more translatable, understandable and accurate than an extract from a regional legislative act. The regional document contains wording that allows for dual interpretation, which increases its conflict potential. It was found that semantic ambiguity is created by terms that reflect the specifics of legal culture and mentality and are interpreted ambiguously by lawyers and ordinary native speakers. The results obtained indicate the need to improve the clarity, comprehensibility and unambiguity of legal terminology, develop unified definitions of federal and regional legislation in general and in the field of environmental protection in particular, as well as develop recommendations for improving the quality of legal language. Further research can be aimed at automation of semantic diffusion analysis process, creating specialized linguistic tools for conducting legal expertise.