Derivational and semantic characteristics of zoonymous onomatopoeia in Serbian

The paper discusses the derivational and semantic characteristics of zoonymous onomatopoeia, based on imitation animal sounds. According to their morphological communicative features, these units are primarily interjections. Nevertheless, from other onomatopoeic words, onomatopoeias stand out for productivity characteristics. methodology applied in work includes usual procedures semantic-derivative research - analysis formation structure derivatives application elements componential interpretation extension observed units. Derivative shows that most have inductive ability create derivatives. In some cases, derivation is blocked, which can be conditioned by different causes. Motive interjections form nests similar content. productive verbs, take an function a whole series new On level, mostly one-meaning but derivatives, verbs nouns, characterized polysemy, basis often metaphorical transposition human as designate, accompanied negative expressiveness, goes derogatory direction, although there examples positive expressiveness.