ON TRANSLATION EQUIVALENCE OF SOME ENGLISH NEGATIVE PREFIXES IN SERBIAN

Abstract

This research paper identifies and studies the primary English negative prefixes (a-, dis-, in-, non- and un-) and detects their Serbian translation equivalents. It traces the develop ment of the negative prefixation through the periods. It also provides a literature review on the subject, from the late 19th century to modern times, and outlines intercultural and interlingual language relations. Each prefix is described etymologically, morphologically, semantically and translationally. The research indicates that the prefix а- remains the same as in English or takes the Serbian prefix bez-; the prefix dis- may take various Serbian forms; the prefixes in-, non- and un- take the Serbian corresponding prefix nе-.