Russian prepositions v and na

[Denis Crnkovic]

Carolien en Jook Kop inquired:

>        Who knows anything about a theory on spatial relations expressed
>        by the russian prepositions 'v' and 'na' that says:
>        'v' is used for buildings that are situated in the city (teatr)
>        'na' is used for buildings situated outside the city (zavod).


The only similar and more plausible theory I have heard (I don't remember
where, nor remember if it's in print) is that "v" is generally used for
enclosed paces,"na" for events, etc. and for places that were at one time
outside. Thus Russian has "na pochte" where "pochta" used to be a
designated drop spot at a crosroads, "na zavode" where "zavod" was
originally an industrial outdoorenterprise (like bell casting),  "na
vokzale" originally not more than a designated stop. I am not commenting
here on the validity of the theory, since I have not researched it in even
the shallowest depth. I would be interested in knowing, however,  if there
is material on this anywhere.

With sincere wishes for a relaxing and productive summer to all,

Denis

Denis Crnkovic

Justus tu es quidam Dominus.