One of the most important elements in any national culture is speech etiquette. The language, its stable constructions, reflects the rich experience of the people, the uniqueness of its traditions, customs, conditions and lifestyle. Speech illustrates the subjective perception of the picture of the world, corresponding to the consciousness and mentality of its carrier. Along with this, the language also affects the speaker directly, forming his personality. This is primarily due to the fact that in the process of mastering one’s native language, a person absorbs into himself a national culture, which contains traits of a national character, and especially world outlook.
Speech Behavior
In communication with a social orientation, the social roles of listeners and speakers are of particular importance. In this case, a certain functional dependence takes place . The nature of the speech behavior of the participants is determined by the role position. At the same time, the language tools used in communication construct the situation. Speech is considered one of the most important tools that contribute to the affirmation of a person’s social status . The formation of an adequate understanding of the language message between the participants of communication is carried out using different methods of designating social relationships, within which it is supposed to develop communication. Along with direct representations, in which the social roles of the participants most significant in communication are indicated, there are indirect ones. The latter are means of a socio-symbolic type and are used to demonstrate the status and role positions of interlocutors. One of such tools is the appeal in Russian. Consider this tool in more detail.
Appeals. General information
What is the appeal in Russian? This design can reveal a social hierarchy, with equal statuses - express the personal relationship of one person to another. In this case, special treatment words may apply. In the Russian language, as, indeed, in other speech systems, such constructions can indicate the title of the person with whom the dialogue is being conducted. Such elements, in particular, include "sir", "your nobility", "your majesty" and others. Along with this, the forms of appeal in the Russian language can emphasize informality or, on the contrary, official relations. For example: “my friends”, “comrades”, “ladies and gentlemen”, “dearest”, “respected”, “darling”, “son” and others. I must say that a similar function is inherent in a number of designs used as goodbyes or greetings. For example: "Hello", "Hello", "Salute", "All the best" and others.
Civil Status
Speaking of what such treatment is in Russian, one should also mention the situation of a person in society, which is clearly indicated by certain elements. In this issue, both civil status and a certain assessment of the interlocutor are considered. In the first case, the following constructions can be cited as an example: "Citizen Petrov," "Comrade Ivanov," "Ivan Petrovich." The following can be cited as evaluating elements: “Do you have a clear assignment?”, “You were not interested in why this is so?”, “If you find it easier to start with this, please. But in general, I would like you to later ...”. It is believed that such treatment in the Russian language as “assistant manager” (instead of “ticketer”), “sanitary officer” (can be used instead of “scavenger”) helps to increase social status and enhance self-esteem of a person.
"Intentional imitation"
There are different types of appeals in the Russian language. In general, the topic under consideration is not limited to specific constructions, the meaning of which is directly aimed at the interlocutor. As a verbal social-symbolic means, deliberate imitation in pronunciation acts. So, for example, often, so that the child better understands the parents, the latter adjust their speech to the children's room. But on the other hand, when there is a desire to distance oneself from an interlocutor or group of people, you can use elements, on the contrary, emphasizing differences. For example, French Canadians like it more when their politicians make their speeches to the public in English, using a strong French accent (even if the activist speaks pure English). In the Russian language, as a rule, this difference is reflected in the style of speech.
"High" and "low" styles
This tool also applies to tools of verbal social-symbolic communication. In this group, several subgroups can be distinguished. "High" style implies emphasized correct and correct construction and further use of words and their combinations. Such speech is perceived as more formal, official, somewhat distant. "Low" style is colloquial speech. As a rule, slang words and slang prevail here. This pronunciation is perceived as informal.
"Influential" style
Using certain techniques, the speaker can help create a specific image. So, for example, the use of certain designs can make a person more confident in the eyes of others or more influential. But it can happen and vice versa. An inappropriately used speech element can remove the interlocutors from the person, and he will lose the location of others. The one who pronounces the words influentially usually uses this sentence construction: "Let's have dinner today" instead of "I suppose we could have dinner today." It is believed that such an appeal in Russian, as given in the first case, involves a call to action, directs the interlocutor to commit it.
"Inactive" style
Researchers have identified several forms of communication that do not have a significant impact on the interlocutor. These include, in particular:
- Evasive subjective expressiveness. For example: "I suppose," "It seems to me," "I think," and others.
- Linguistic "stuttering" - elements expressing some indecision. In particular, they include separating interjections, such as "e", "well," "um" and others.
- Some polite words. They include: "Be kind," "Sorry," and so on.
- Question-endings: “It's cold here, isn't it?”, “Can we finish, what do you think?”.
"You" and "you"
Changing the style of treatment may itself be a technique that is aimed at "lowering" or "raising" the status of the interlocutor. It is believed that such treatment in the Russian language as “you” is associated with friendly, informal relations. While "you" reflects emotional distance, formality, formality.