I would like to break my article into several, as it seems to me, necessary parts. Before moving on to such an important and fairly extensive topic as “text styles”, I suggest that my readers still deal with the very concepts of “style” and “text”. Then together we will try to figure out what exactly principles should be guided in order not to be mistaken in determining the right style. And finally, I will dwell in more detail on the characteristic features of each.
So, the word "style" has Latin roots and once denoted a simple thin stick, pointed from one edge and rounded from the opposite. This tool was made of bone, wood, and less often of metal, and used as a stationery designed to deduce characters (with a sharp end) and erase written (dull). Time passed and the word "style" began to more and more denote the quality of writing.
The text should be understood as the main communicative unit, the speech work, which is the result of human activity.
Styles of the text in Russian depend on the specific composition of the work (introduction, main body and conclusion). The main part must be present, but it is up to the author to decide whether the introduction and conclusion will be in it.
What should be guided in order to correctly define text styles?
First of all, I note that in the Russian language it is customary to distinguish four book (official-business, scientific, journalistic and artistic) and one conversational style.
Each of them has its own language means (words, word forms, phrases, types of sentences).
If the speaker or writer finds it difficult to choose a style in a particular situation, scientists recommend adhering to a certain scheme:
- First of all, you need to answer the question, for what purpose are you going to say / write a specific text.
- Evaluate your surroundings for the appropriateness of using one or another manner of expressing your own thoughts.
- Apply the characteristic speech genres, means of expression and style features of the language.
What are the styles of text?
They were only listed in the previous section, so in this chapter I will talk about each of them in more detail.
Purpose: to share with people around any household information, talk about your thoughts, feelings, emotions.
Furnishings: any informal. For example, private correspondence or conversation, notes, friendly conversation.
Speech genres: colloquial vocabulary.
Means of expression: imagery, emotionality, simplicity, concreteness.
Purpose: to convey certain information or explain a particular fact from a scientific point of view.
Furnishings: official.
Speech genres: educational and scientific literature.
Means of expression: terms and vocabulary.
Style features: consistency, objectivity, accuracy.
Purpose: to convey official information.
Situation: paperwork, legislation, any administrative activities.
Speech genres: resolutions, decisions, orders, acts, references, announcements, instructions, reports, reports, statements.
Means of expression: steady speech, official business vocabulary.
Style features: accuracy, another interpretation is unacceptable.
Purpose: to influence using the media.
Furnishings: newspapers, magazines, radio, television, meetings, rallies.
Speech genres: essay, article, reportage, interview.
Means of expression: special socio-political vocabulary.
Style features: consistency, consistency, emotionality.
Purpose: to influence, trying to convey the image.
Furnishings: fable, poem, poem, tragedy, drama, comedy, short story, short story.
Speech genres: all the wealth of vocabulary.
Style features: emotionality, concreteness, imagery.