Semantic Shift in Speech Verbs (In View of Etymological Analysis)

This study presents several models of semantic development for Bulgarian verbs of different origins. It examines a part of the vast lexico-semantic field of verbs for speaking in Bulgarian, in particular analysing the semantics and etymology of verbs with the meanings ‘speak’, ‘speak a lot, annoyingly’, ‘speak idle talk, babble’, ‘speak unintelligibly, vaguel’, ‘insult’ and ‘slander’. As a result of semantic development, the meanings of the verbs кàзвам ‘say’ and обàждам (се) ‘call’ are also considered.