Gadget vs device: the experience of semantic analysis

Dedova Ol'ga Viktorovna Doctor of Philology Professor of the Department of Russian Language, Lomonosov Moscow State University 119234, Russia, Moscow, Leninskie Gory str., 1 st51 ov-dedova@yandex.ru

Mao Yuiyan' Postgraduate student, Department of Russian Language, Lomonosov Moscow State University 119234, Russia, Moscow, Leninskie Gory str., 1 st51 maoyuyann@gmail.com

Introduction

Computer technologies are developing rapidly, which cannot but affect a variety of aspects of modern life, including language. First of all, this is manifested in active neological processes – innovative realities that are rapidly changing our lives cannot be named. As a rule, most computer devices and their parts initially have English-language designations. At the same time, the linguistic analysis of borrowed Anglicisms and the ways of their adaptation in modern Russian (graphic, phonetic, semantic, word-formation) lags significantly behind the practical user development of all new gadgets and devices.

We encountered the problem of the lexical semantics of the words gadget and device, which are actively functioning in modern Russian-language discourse, in the process of analyzing and semantically describing the units of the field "Personal computer devices" ^{[1, 2]}. The very concept of a computer device requires clarification, so in this case there is a certain contradiction between what in reality can be attributed this category, from a technological point of view (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches), and how these objects (and, accordingly, the words naming them) are conceptualized in the minds of native speakers. So, a smartphone, in real conversational usage, is a phone, a smartwatch/smartwatch, etc. We have proposed the following criteria for classifying a technologically innovative electronic object as a computer device:

•                     The facility provides storage, processing, replication and transmission of information in digital form.

•                     Performs the communication function (see the previous paragraph).

• It is compatible with other computer devices.

•                     It is focused on personal use, which involves the accumulation and storage of information about a particular user.

These criteria allow us to specify the concept of a "personal computer device". Based on them, modern appliances (household appliances, fitness bracelets, etc.) that use computer technology but do not meet the first two criteria do not belong to this category: 1) processing and dissemination of information; 2) provision of a communicative function ^{[2, p. 52]}.

The main part. Gadget and device in modern Russian

Both analyzed words are borrowings from the English language. The word gadget comes from the English gadget, meaning ‘a small mechanical device (or tool), especially original or innovative’ ^[3]; ‘a small tool (or device) that does something useful' ^[4]. The word appeared at the end of the XIX century. and was originally used in navigation ^[3]. Its etymology is controversial. Some believe that it originated from the French g?chette ‘trigger mechanism’ ^[3]. Others believe that this word comes from the name of the company "Gaget, Gauthier & Cie", which took part in the creation of the Statue of Liberty and created small copies of the statue, called the word Gaget ^[5].

The word device also comes from the English device – ‘an object made or adapted for a specific purpose, especially mechanical or electronic equipment’ ^[3]. The Oxford Learner's Dictionaries Dictionary interprets ‘computer equipment, especially small ones like a smartphone’ ^[4]. Note that in English these are polysemous words, and these dictionaries also give other meanings.

The words gadget and device are not terms that have a specific denotative relationship. From our point of view, their active use in English, Russian and many other languages is associated with the communicative need to conceptually master and identify an increasing number of innovative objects with high functionality. Including with the help of these words, personal computer devices of various types can potentially be designated – laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc. Thus, in relation to these tokens, the device and gadget are hyperonyms. But is it only computer devices in modern Russian that can be called using these words? Are there semantic differences between the lexemes, or are they fairly accurate synonyms with similar syntagmatics? We will try to answer these questions, which will allow us to identify and describe the semantics of these lexemes in modern Russian.

As we have already noted, lexemes are usually mastered in modern Russian, which is reflected in dictionaries of recent years. The device is in the "Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language of the beginning of the XXI century. Current vocabulary" has two meanings: '1. A computer hardware device with a specific functional purpose; 2. A technical device, a device' ^[6]; a device in L. P. Krysin's Modern Dictionary of Foreign Words is defined as 'A technical device, a device (used mainly in relation to technical innovations)' ^[7]. Attention is drawn to the fact that borrowed Anglicisms of the computer and Internet spheres quite often do not have a single spelling, which is reflected in these dictionaries. The gadget token is missing in the "Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian language of the beginning of the XXI century. Current vocabulary", and in the "Modern Dictionary of Foreign Words" it has the interpretation of 'Technical novelty (usually in the field of computer technology, modern means of communication, etc.)'. These interpretations reveal the semantic proximity of the analyzed words. They are united by the semes ‘technical device’, ‘novelty/modern (computer) technologies'. The portraits of words generated by the neural network of the NeuroCRY of the National Corpus of the Russian Language also indicate this ^[8]. The "Similar words" option for the gadget picked up the following nominations: video equipment, communicator, smartphone, content, option, device, laptop, chip, scanner, microprocessor; for the device token, the following is indicated: adapter, joystick, gadget, chip, DSLR, chip, option, device, smartphone, tester. Based on the data of the NCRE, the analyzed words are interchangeable, i.e. they are synonyms. Based on the data obtained, this is also evidenced by other paradigmatic correlations: common cognomen smartphone /communicator and meronyms chip/chip.

At the first stage of the study, based on the data of the NCR ^[9], we identified and systematized typical contexts of the occurrence of the analyzed lexemes in texts of different genres, reflecting their functioning in modern Russian. Here are some examples (the types of referential objects are indicated in parentheses):

D evais: 1) "The processor ... of a new generation, comes on its own, turns on itself, connects itself to other processors, turns itself off, performs its own maintenance in its free time, and having completely exhausted its resource, removes itself from the system unit. The perfect device! You only need to protect it from viruses" (= an element of a computer system); 2) "In the Faberge Museum, information about the exhibits can be downloaded to your device using QR codes" (= a personal computer device); 3) "A device has been invented that can detect allergens in food and, thus, save its owner from unpleasant consequences of eating something that he absolutely cannot" (= innovative high–tech device); 4) "By the way, the device perfectly solves the problem of driving in clogs or flip–flops in summer - the cup will tightly hold the spanking backdrop" (= practical household appliance); 5) "DiXIe" - information communism: "to everyone … according to the needs.” Yes, of course. But DiXIe is primarily a device of consumerism, not communism. This portal is an instrument of information consumption of the world" (=instrument of action/ impact).

The gadget: 1) "This is such a "soap dish" where an iPhone, iPod or other ... gadget will lie quietly without fear of getting wet", "Tools for creating UGC are diverse: smartphone, tablet ... – any gadget on which you can shoot, record, record what is happening" (=personal computer device); 2) "Battery Boost gadget will allow you to recharge the battery of a mobile device, providing you with at least another hour of conversations or music" (= computer accessory); 3) "Ultrasonic Glass Cleaner is a device specifically designed to clean glasses and resembles a saucepan in shape. The gadget is extremely easy to handle", "Thus, the ideal gadget for a smart home should use a wireless receiver and transmitter that consume a minimum amount of energy so that the device can work for many months or even years without the need to replace the battery", (=innovative high-tech device); 4) "But this supervision is rather a measure of intimidation: the only gadget in the room, a giant screen broadcasting party congresses and instructions for morning gymnastics, is actually a surveillance camera for the tenant" (= electronic device); 5) "The trainer, pulling the donkey behind him, takes out a red nose with an elastic band from his pocket, and puts this on right in the arena a low–tech gadget", "I woke up in the morning – and in Uncle Gore's yard there is a new gadget - a small wooden gazebo" (= any object, object). In case (5), the use of the word gadget is a means of expressing irony in relation to a particular denotation and to the situation as a whole, which is also indicated by the definition of "low-tech".

Naturally, not all of these types of contextual uses of the analyzed words should be the basis for highlighting the corresponding regular meanings. To clarify the semantics of the device and gadget lexemes, formed by modern Russian-language usage, we conducted a survey. The respondents were offered a questionnaire (see Fig. 1), the questions of which are aimed at identifying the semantic specificity of the studied lexemes. 38 native Russian speakers aged 18 to 70 years participated in the survey. The questionnaire questions were aimed at identifying the semantic identity of the device and gadget tokens and semantic differences between them, as well as choosing the spelling variant of the device/device (spelling is not codified at the moment).

Fig. 1. Gadget vs device

The results show that the majority of respondents (71.1%) believe that a gadget and a device are different types of objects. 28.9% of respondents believe that a gadget and a device are one and the same, i.e. complete synonyms.

In response to the question "If it's the same thing, what do they have in common?" the respondents' answers indicated the following: device, modern, electronic, electric, technological, battery operation. Based on this, lexemes can be used to denote identical or similar denotations, which indicates their semantic proximity (synonymy). However, this opinion is held by a smaller part of the respondents (slightly more than 1/3). According to the majority, the device and gadget tokens denote different objects, i.e. they are not semantically equivalent.  The justifications for the semantic difference of the lexemes given in the answer to the questionnaire question can be grouped as follows:

1) A device is a more general concept (hyperonym), a gadget is a private one (hyponym)(21.05% of the responses received): "A device is a common name for devices, whereas gadgets are a narrow category of devices designed to access the Internet"; "A device is any technical object that can be used by a person; a gadget is a personal device (phone/ tablet / laptop)"; "A device is any a device or device that helps a person at home / at work. Gadget – phone / tablet"; "Device – device, device, gadget, tablet, phone"; "These designations are similar, but they differ more than they converge. A device is definitely a common name for gadgets, whereas a gadget is a certain type of device ..."; "A gadget is an electronic device used for communication; a device is a device with electronic components of wider use"; "Gadgets are digital devices for communication, leisure – otherwise a personal phone, tablet, laptop. A device is any device, you can even call a meat grinder a device"; "A device is a general definition, a gadget is a private one."

2) A device is any household device, unlike a gadget that performs the main function of communication (15.79%): "A device is an electronic device for working in everyday life ..."; "... A device is any electronic device that can facilitate household management (for example, a kettle is a kitchen device)"; "and a device is more of a household device"; "... and a device is a household appliance for use"; "... a gadget is an electronic device for accessing the Internet"; "A device is a common name for devices, whereas gadgets are a narrow category of devices designed to access the Internet."

3) The device is an additional device to the gadget (7.89%), i.e. gadget – holonym, device – meronym:"A device is something that can serve as an addition to a gadget"; "A gadget is a main device (phone, laptop) that performs many functions, and a device is an addition to a gadget (headphones, microphone) that has 1 or more functions"; "A device is an application to a gadget, and a gadget independent."

4)      A gadget is an additional device to a device (5.26%), i.e., on the contrary (see the previous paragraph), a device is a holonym, a gadget is a meronym: "A gadget is an auxiliary device, a device is independent, more complex"; "A device is an independent device that does not require an addition, respectively, a gadget is something smaller, supplement".

5)      The gadget is focused on personal use (5.26%): "... a gadget is a personal device (phone/tablet/laptop)"; "A gadget is an electronic device for personal use, usually small in size (phone, tablet) ...".

The results of the survey demonstrated the specifics of the conceptualization of the concepts of gadget and device. According to the majority of respondents, they do not coincide, but the criteria for distinguishing them differ in the answers to the questionnaire questions. Let's present the most significant of them in the form of a table:

Thus, based on the data of the NCRE and the results of the survey, the following definitions can be given:

Gadget – 1) an electronic device, usually small in size, with high technology and providing Internet access (smartphone, tablet, so-called smartwatch, etc.); 2) an electronic accessory used as an addition to another device (headphones, computer mouse, etc.).

A device is 1) a modern electronic device with high functionality (household appliances, computers, etc.); 2) any device or device whose use has specific purposes.

As for the device/device options, from our point of view, both are correct in modern Russian. This is evidenced by dictionaries and modern Russian-language usage. However, when answering the questionnaire question, 100% of respondents indicated d e weiss as their preferred option.

Thus, it can be concluded that in the first of these values, the tokens gadget and device are synonymous.

The Yandex YandexGPT neural network was used to verify the received interpretations ^[10]. As a result of the search query "What is the difference between a device and a gadget?" the system generated the following text: "Gadget and device are two words that are often used synonymously to describe technical devices. However, there is a slight difference between them. A gadget usually refers to small, portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, fitness trackers and other electronic devices… A device is a more general word that can describe any technical device, regardless of its size or function. This may include computers, printers, televisions and other devices," which generally does not contradict the interpretations obtained as a result of the study.

Both words have stylistic markings in modern Russian. So, for the device "Explanatory dictionary of the Russian language of the beginning of the XXI century. Current vocabulary" offers two litters – inform. and jarg. The lack of stylistic neutrality is determined by the relatively recent entry into modern Russian–speaking usage (according to the Internet, both words appeared at about the same time, in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries), partly also by the denotative specifics of the realities they call. Nevertheless, from our point of view, to a large extent they are conventionally mastered. This is evidenced by the word-formation productivity of borrowed English-language bases, from which non-formal derivatives of different parts of speech are spontaneously formed:

Gadget – "A law-abiding man in the street will learn to "gadget" "YouTube" "Google" and will be happy like a chicken in a poultry farm" (https://vk.com/wall327928095_392 ); "Gadget upgrade of society (https://cont.ws/@wayfarervak/854780 ); "Gadgets must be put in their place" (chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/http://dou10-gk.ru/).

Device – "This is just a tool, and you need to deal with the tool, upgrade and device (microphone sound, etc.)" (https://arhrock.info/forum/threads/vokalisty-auu.1700/page-2 ): "How to understand the phrase: device round? (if you didn't write it correctly, correct it)". (https://otvet.mail.ru/question/47854528 ); "If suddenly your device counterpart calls (although in the current coordinate systems, the "call" is no longer comme il faut) or writes to you simply to ask how you are doing, how your day went, ... and he does not need anything from you - rejoice and be glad that you have such a the man" (https://vk.com/wall563396015_126 ).

The adaptation of the device nomination in modern Russian is also evidenced by the synonym-the jargon of the maiden, formed as a result of a paronymic attraction.

Conclusions

1.      In modern Russian, there are active neological processes due to the development of modern technologies – an increasing number of innovative devices and objects appear in our lives. An important task of modern lexicography (and linguistics in general) is a systematic scientifically based description of this vocabulary. The possibilities provided by modern computer technologies are of great importance for solving the problem: corpus data, Internet search results by keywords ^[11]. Currently, it has become possible to use these neural networks, but they should be treated with a certain degree of caution and supported by other research results.

2.      The analysis of the field "Personal computer devices" allowed us to identify two hyperonyms with which almost any object can be named – these are the tokens gadget and device. The development of computer technology and the need to name a significant number of innovative objects have made these tokens communicatively in demand. In direct meanings, words have common semantic components ‘objectivity’ and ‘innovation’, which makes them synonymous.  At the same time, in modern Russian-speaking usage, words are ambiguous, as indicated by the results of the survey, as well as data from the NCR and the Internet.

3.      The highlighted meanings of the words made it possible to identify not only similarities, but also semantic differences between them. So, a device, unlike a gadget, can denote a non-electronic device with innovation and functionality, and a gadget has the regular meaning of ‘accessory used with another device’ (see value 2 above). In addition, the semantic component ‘small size’ is indicated in the survey results for the gadget. For both lexemes, we have noted ironic contexts, the entry into which is an indication only of the "objectivity", "materiality" of the objects called.

4.      Both analyzed lexemes, being Anglicisms borrowed relatively recently, are actively being adapted in modern Russian. This is evidenced not only by their semantic development, but also by the word-formation derivation of the basics.