Compliance with the rules of speech etiquette in everyday life. See what "Speech etiquette" is in other dictionaries

It is vital for any person to know good manners. The norm of behavior should be a manifestation of good tone. A cultured person must know the norms of etiquette and observe them. The ability to present yourself, as well as make a good impression, will give you the opportunity to gain confidence and feel comfortable in absolutely any society.
What is speech etiquette? Speech etiquette - the rules of polite communication and speech behavior. The ability to master speech etiquette helps to achieve authority, trust and self-respect. The constant use of speech etiquette in a business society gives partners and customers a positive impression of the organization, accumulates a positive reputation.

19 1219285

Photo gallery: Speech etiquette - rules of polite communication

Greetings.

When meeting, it is necessary to greet not only those whom you know, but also those whom you do not know, if you need to contact this person with some kind of request or question. Certain rules of communication and norms of etiquette exist not only in relation to the forms of greetings, but also to the conditions under which it is more appropriate to use this or that form.

Usually greeted first:

  • man - woman;
  • junior - senior;
  • a younger woman - an older one, as well as an older man;
  • employees of a junior rank - employees of a senior;
  • late - waiting;
  • the one who enters the room - already present;
  • the one who passes - standing;
  • passing by - overtaking.

Under the same conditions, the more polite person greets first.

A woman entering a room with guests already gathered there must be the first to greet those present, without waiting for the men to greet her. Meanwhile, men should not wait for a woman to come up to them and greet them. It would be better if the men themselves rise and go to meet her.

If a person enters a room where there are guests invited by the owner, it is necessary to greet all the guests at once or with each of those present separately. Approaching the table, a person should greet those present and again say hello to each of the neighbors on the table, sitting down in his place. In this case, in the first case, and in the second, it is not necessary to give a hand.

When greeting a lady, as well as with a person older in position or age, a seated man must stand up. If he greets people passing by with whom he is not going to talk, the man may not get up, but only rise.

At receptions of an official nature, the host or hostess is first greeted, then the ladies, first the older ones, then the young ones; after - more senior men, and only then the rest of the guests. The host and hostess should shake hands with all guests invited to their home.

If there are married couples at the reception, then first the women greet each other, then the men greet them, and only then the men greet each other.

A woman who walks in the company of a man is the first to greet a woman walking or standing alone. If you are standing with someone and your companion greets a stranger, you need to greet him too. If you meet your friend in the company of a stranger, you need to say hello to both of them. It is also necessary to greet everyone in the group you are approaching.

Performance.

There are a number of rules of polite communication that must be followed when meeting and introducing. A man, no matter what age and position, is always the first to introduce himself to a woman. Older in age (as well as in official position) should be presented to younger women and men, to a familiar person - less familiar (provided that they are of the same sex and age). If two people have the same position, then the younger one should be introduced to the elder, the subordinate - to the boss, if there is one person, then he is introduced to the couple or the whole group, society, the woman should also be the first to be introduced to the married couple. In this case, you first need to name the person who introduces himself. You can't just bring people up to each other and say, "Get to know each other." It is impolite to oblige people to name themselves.

If a man is sitting while being introduced, he should stand up. It is not necessary for a woman to get up, except for those moments when she is introduced to an older (or position) lady. After getting to know each other, people should exchange greetings or, more likely, shake hands. The one to whom they introduce themselves is the first to extend their hand. Giving a pair of fingers or their tips instead of a hand is impolite. If a lady or a person older in rank or age does not give a hand, you need to bow slightly.

Conducting a conversation.

The tone of the conversation should be set absolutely natural, continuous, smooth, but by no means meticulous and playful, this means that you need to be knowledgeable, but not pedantic, cheerful, but you should not make noise, you must be polite, but you must not exaggerate politeness .

In the "high society" communication etiquette allows you to talk about everything, but you can not delve into anything. When talking, any serious controversy should be avoided, especially when talking about religion and politics.

An equally necessary condition for a well-mannered and polite person is the ability to listen. If you will be able to listen carefully to the story without interrupting the narrator, be able to show your interest in the place with questions like: “And what happened next? ”, “This is incredible! How could this happen? ”, “And how did you cope with this? ”, then any person will be pleased to talk with you.

Do not try to suppress your interlocutor with erudition. Nobody wants to feel stupider than the rest. But if you don't know something, don't be afraid to talk about it. Most people like to talk about something that their interlocutors do not know.

In society, one should not start talking about oneself unless specifically asked to do so. But even in this situation, it is necessary to be modest, not to overestimate yourself and your capabilities.

You should not talk at a great distance, by doing this you attract the attention of people around you, but you should not communicate “close” either.

SPEECH ETIQUETTE , a set of requirements accepted in a given culture for the form, content, order, nature and situational relevance of statements. The well-known researcher of speech etiquette N.I. Formanovskaya gives the following definition:« Speech etiquette refers to the regulatory rules of speech behavior, a system of nationally specific, stereotyped, stable communication formulas adopted and prescribed by society to establish contact between interlocutors, maintain and break contact in the chosen key» . Speech etiquette, in particular, includes words and expressions used by people to say goodbye, requests, apologies, forms of address adopted in various situations, intonation features that characterize polite speech, etc. The study of speech etiquette occupies a special position at the intersection of linguistics, theory and history of culture, ethnography, regional studies, psychology and other humanitarian disciplines.The boundaries of the phenomenon of speech etiquette. In the broad sense of the word, speech etiquette characterizes almost any successful act of communication. Therefore, speech etiquette is associated with the so-called postulates of speech communication, which make the interaction of communication participants possible and successful. These are the postulates formulated by H. P. Grice (1975), which are derived from the principle of cooperation underlying all communication. The postulates of verbal communication include: the postulates of quality (the message should not be false or without proper justification), quantity (the message should not be too short or too lengthy), attitude (the message should be relevant to the addressee) and method ( the message must be clear, concise, not contain words and expressions that are incomprehensible to the addressee, etc.). Violation of one or more of these postulates to one degree or another entails a communicative failure. Other important requirements - for example, the postulates of politeness (every message must be polite, tactful, etc.) - are not included by Grice among the fundamental ones, since the effective transmission of information is considered the task of the message. It is significant that even with such a utilitarian formulation of the problem, one has to consider the requirements of speech etiquette as necessary conditions for successful communication. Moreover, these requirements are significant for messages that have other functions: establishing interpersonal contacts, attracting listeners to their side, etc. In these cases, the postulates of politeness inevitably come to the fore. Others, such as the postulates of relation, are pushed to the periphery. So, in many textbooks on advertising, it is recommended to refrain not only from any statements that offend or offend the addressee, but also from statements that could cause him undesirable associations. For example, the sloganOur beer is beer , from which they do not get fat was considered unsuccessful because it recalls the very fact that beer makes you fat. Thus, the requirements of relevance and truthfulness turn out to be secondary in this case.

Thus, speech etiquette in a broad sense is associated with the general problems of linguistic pragmatics.

and should be considered in line with pragmalinguistic research. The act of linguistic communication is considered by pragmatics from the point of view of the achievement by the participants of communication of certain goals. The statement is not considered in isolation, but in the context of these goals; for example the questionYou don't have a watch ? implies a request to say what time it is. Therefore the answerYes , there is (without a message, what time is it) ignores the context and thereby violates the requirements of speech etiquette. Or:What's going on here ? - a question (especially in a certain context) can mean aggressive dissatisfaction with what is happening and, as such, violate etiquette.

The sphere of speech etiquette includes, in particular, the ways of expressing sympathy, complaints, guilt, grief, etc., accepted in a given culture. So, for example, in some cultures it is customary to complain about difficulties and problems, in others it is not. In some cultures, talking about your successes is acceptable, in others not at all. This may also include specific instructions for speech etiquette - what can be the subject of conversation, what is not, and in what situation.

Speech etiquette in the narrow sense of the word can be characterized as a system of language means in which etiquette relations are manifested. Elements of this system can be implemented at different language levels:

At the level of vocabulary and phraseology: special words and set expressions (Thanks , Please , I apologize , Sorry , Goodbye etc.), as well as specialized forms of address (Mister , Comrade etc.).

At the grammatical level: using the plural for polite address (including pronouns

You ); using interrogative sentences instead of imperative ones (You will not say , what time is it now ? Could you move a little ? etc.).

At the stylistic level: the requirement of competent, cultured speech; refusal to use words that directly name obscene and shocking objects and phenomena, the use of euphemisms instead of these words.

At the intonational level: using polite intonation (for example, the phrase

Be kind , close the door can sound with different intonation depending on whether it is supposed to be a polite request or an unceremonious demand). At the level of orthoepy: useHello instead of hello , Please instead of Please etc.

At the organizational and communicative level: a ban on interrupting the interlocutor, interfering in someone else's conversation, etc.

Everyday language practice and the norm in speech etiquette. The specificity of speech etiquette is that it characterizes both everyday language practice and the language norm. Indeed, elements of speech etiquette are present in the daily practice of any native speaker (including those who have little command of the norm), who easily recognizes these formulas in the flow of speech and expects the interlocutor to use them in certain situations. The elements of speech etiquette are assimilated so deeply that they are perceived"naive" linguistic consciousness as part of the everyday, natural and regular behavior of people. Ignorance of the requirements of speech etiquette and, as a result, their failure to comply (for example, addressing an adult stranger inYou ) is perceived as a desire to offend or as bad manners.

On the other hand, speech etiquette can be considered from the point of view of the language norm. So, the idea of ​​correct, cultural, normalized speech includes certain ideas about the norm in the field of speech etiquette. For example, every native speaker knows the formulas for apologizing for awkwardness; however, only one is welcomed by the norm (

excuse me , I apologize ) - and others are rejected or not recommended, for example,I'm sorry (and sometimes such a distinction is given"justifications" like: you can’t excuse yourself, you can only apologize to others, etc.). The very use or non-use of units of speech etiquette can also be the subject of normalization, for example: apology formulas are appropriate if the speaker causes concern to his interlocutor, but you should not apologize too often, as this puts the interlocutor in an awkward position, etc. In addition, a violation norms and rules of the literary language, especially if it looks like negligence, in itself can be considered as a violation of speech etiquette.

So, the requirements of speech etiquette form a kind of hierarchy. To some extent, they are an integral part of the active and passive language practice of every native speaker; on the other hand, these requirements are associated with a certain level of speech culture, more or less high. For example, every native speaker knows from an early age that it is necessary to say hello when meeting. Further, the child is explained that it is necessary to greet in accordance with certain rules (the younger greets the elder first, using quite specific formulas for this - not

Hi or Great, a Hello , or better: Hello , Ivan Ivanovich ). Finally, in the future, a native speaker learns about other subtleties of speech etiquette and learns to use them in his daily practice.

The boundary between everyday speech practice and the norm in speech etiquette is inevitably mobile. The practical application of speech etiquette always differs somewhat from normative models, and not only because of the participants' insufficient knowledge of its rules. Deviation from the norm or too meticulous adherence to it may be due to the speaker's desire to demonstrate his attitude towards the interlocutor or emphasize his vision of the situation. In the example below, the polite form is used to emphasize the dissatisfaction of the boss with the subordinate:

- Hello, Lyubov Grigorievna ! he said in a disgustingly gallant manner. – You are late ? >

What scared her the most was

, what is being addressed to her « you » , by first name. It made everything that happened extremely ambiguous. , because if Lyubochka was late, it was one thing , and if the rationalization engineer Lyubov Grigoryevna Sukhoruchko is already completely different. (V.O. Pelevin, "News from Nepal".)

Thus, speech etiquette is not a rigid system of rules; it is sufficiently plastic, and this plasticity creates a rather extensive

« room for maneuver» . Speech etiquette and speech situation. Speech etiquette is somehow tied to the situation of speech communication and its parameters: the personalities of the interlocutors, the topic, place, time, motive and purpose of communication. First of all, it is a complex of linguistic phenomena focused on the addressee, although the personality of the speaker (or writer) is also taken into account. This can be best demonstrated in use.You- and You forms of communication. The general principle is thatYou - forms are used as a sign of respect and greater formality of communication;You -forms, on the contrary, correspond to informal communication between equals. However, the implementation of this principle can be presented in different ways, depending on how the participants in verbal communication are related according to the age and / or service hierarchy, whether they are in family or friendly relations; on the age and social status of each of them andetc.

Speech etiquette reveals itself differently also depending on the topic, place, time, motive and purpose of communication. So, for example, the rules of verbal communication may differ depending on whether the topic of communication is sad or joyful events for the participants in communication; there are specific etiquette rules associated with the place of communication (feast, office space, production meeting), etc.

Researchers describe a whole range of communicative functions of speech etiquette. Here is some of them. Speech etiquette:

helps to establish contact between interlocutors;

attracts the attention of the listener (reader), distinguishes him from other potential interlocutors;

allows you to show respect;

helps to determine the status of ongoing communication (friendly, business, official, etc.);

forms a favorable emotional environment for communication and has a positive impact on the listener (reader).

The place of specialized units of speech etiquette in the language system. Speech etiquette is realized both in the characteristics of speech in general and in specialized units. These units - formulas of greetings, farewells, apologies, requests, etc. - as a rule, are performatives (i.e. statements, the utterance of which simultaneously means the performance of the named action;see also SPEECH ACT). Indeed, phrasesI apologize , Thanks to , I ask you to etc. do not describe actions, but are themselves actions - respectively, an apology, gratitude, request, etc.

Units of speech etiquette are regularly correlated with cognate or synonymous words and constructions that do not have an etiquette character, for example:

Thank you very much. – He thanked me heartily . And finally, it is impossible not to notice that speech etiquette often fits into the broader context of the pragmatics of behavior in typical situations. For example, the whole complex is associated with stable formulas of apology.« speech-behavioral tactics for wiping out the tort» (E.M. Vereshchagin, V.G. Kostomarov) - in other words, the whole range of speech models used by the speaker or writer to get rid of guilt. So next to the stable formulaexcuse me it is necessary to place other more or less stable formulas:I have nothing to apologize for ! I couldn't do otherwise ! My transgression is not so great ! Oh , what should I do , You will never forgive me now ! etc. Thus, in a stable formula of apology, a native speaker can at any time isolate certain semantic elements.Social differentiation of the phenomena of speech etiquette. The phenomena of speech etiquette differ depending on the social status of the participants in communication. These differences manifest themselves in several ways.

First of all, various units of speech etiquette are used depending on the social roles assumed by the participants in communication. Both social roles in themselves and their relative position in the social hierarchy are important here. When communicating between two students; between student and teacher; between superior and subordinate; between spouses; between parents and children - in each case, etiquette requirements can be very different. Some units are replaced by others, functionally homogeneous, but stylistically opposed. So, in these situations, different greeting formulas may be appropriate:

Hi , Hello , Hello , Hello , Ivan Ivanovich . Other units of speech etiquette are mandatory in some cases, optional in others. For example, when calling on the phone at an after-hours, it is necessary to apologize for the concern, just when calling on the phone, you should not apologize, however, if it is not the addressee of the call who answers the phone, but a stranger, especially if he is older, it would also be appropriate to apologize for the concern, etc. .d.

These aspects of speech behavior are also superimposed by differences in the use of units of speech etiquette among representatives of different social groups. Many specialized units and general manifestations of speech etiquette differ in their stable attachment to certain social groups of native speakers. These groups can be distinguished according to the following criteria:

age: speech etiquette formulas associated with youth jargon (Ale , Chao , goodbye ); specific forms of politeness in the speech of older people (thank you , Do a favor );

education and upbringing: more educated and well-mannered people tend to more accurate use of units of speech etiquette, more widely use

You -forms, etc.;

gender: women, on average, gravitate towards more polite speech, rarely use rude, close to abusive and obscene vocabulary, are more scrupulous in choosing topics;

belonging to specific professional groups.

Speech etiquette and problems of style. Stylistic differences in the use of units of speech etiquette are largely determined by the belonging of speech to various functional styles. In fact, each functional style has its own etiquette rules. For example, business speech is distinguished by a high degree of formality: the participants in communication, the persons and objects in question are called by their full official names. In scientific speech, a rather complex system of etiquette requirements has been adopted that determines the order of presentation, references to predecessors and objections to opponents (somewhat archaic manifestations of scientific speech etiquette, of course, includeWe-shape: We have already shown above - including on behalf of one author). In addition, special forms of address may correspond to different functional styles (for example, addressColleagues in scientific speech).

The contrast between written and oral speech is also essential. Written speech, as a rule, belongs to one or another functional style; on the contrary, oral speech tends to blur stylistic boundaries. As an example, one can compare written documents of legal proceedings and oral presentations in court by litigants and their representatives: in the latter case, there are constant departures from the functional style, less formalized language, etc.

The units of speech etiquette, due to their sociostylistic marking and wide use in speech practice, significantly expand the expressive and stylistic resources of the language. It can be used both in everyday speech and in fiction. Using certain units of speech etiquette, you can achieve various goals, you can express your emotions and provoke an emotional reaction from a communication partner. In fiction, the use of marked units of speech etiquette often serves to create a speech characteristic of a character. For example, in the novel by A.N. Tolstoy

" Peter the Great " the letter of Queen Evdokia contains the following etiquette formulas:my sovereign , joy , Tsar Peter Alekseevich Hello , my light , for many years > your fiancé , Dunka , beats with his forehead Wed the addresses used by Peter's mistress Anna Mons:bow from Anna Mons: recovered , became even more beautiful and asks Herr Peter to accept two citrons as a gift . Obscene and shocking words and phrases. Prohibitions on the use of obscene and shocking words and expressions may be combined with recommendations or prescriptions to replace them with euphemisms. (see also EUPHEMISM).This applies to actually obscene words and expressions and those that are too directly called objects and phenomena, which are not customary to talk about directly in this culture. The same expressions may be considered forbidden in some communities and acceptable in others. In the same community, it may be acceptable, or at least excusable, to use swear words; however, the severity of the prohibition increases sharply in the presence of women, children, etc.Etiquette requirements for the intonational design of the statement. Among the etiquette requirements for oral speech, an important place is occupied by the intonation of the statement. A native speaker accurately determines the entire range of intonations - from emphatically polite to dismissive. However, it is hardly possible to determine which intonation corresponds to speech etiquette and which goes beyond its scope, in general terms, without taking into account the specific speech situation. So, in Russian speech, there are (following E.A. Bryzgunova) seven main “intonation constructions” (i.e., types of phrasal intonation). The pronunciation of the same statement with different intonation (respectively, the implementation of different intonational constructions) expresses various oppositions: in meaning, in actual articulation, in stylistic nuances, including in expressing the attitude of the speaker to the listener. This relation determines which intonation construction should be used in this case, and which should not. So, in accordance with the rules of etiquette, intonation should not indicate a dismissive or patronizing attitude, the intention to teach the interlocutor, aggression and defiance. This is especially true for various kinds of interrogative statements. For example, the same question:Where were you last night ? - allows different intonation depending on who and by whom this question is addressed: the boss - the subordinate, the representative of the investigating authorities - the suspect; one friend to another; one interlocutor to another in the course of secular conversation"about nothing", etc. Paralinguistic aspects of speech etiquette. In addition to intonation, oral speech is distinguished from written language by the use of paralinguistic signs - gestures and facial expressions. From the point of view of speech etiquette, the following paralinguistic signs are distinguished:

not carrying a specific etiquette load (duplicating or replacing segments of speech - indicating, expressing agreement and denial, emotions, etc.);

required by etiquette rules (bows, handshakes, etc.);

having an invective, offensive meaning.

At the same time, the regulation of gestures and facial expressions covers not only the last two categories of signs, but also non-etiquette signs - up to purely informative ones; cf., for example, the etiquette prohibition to point a finger at the subject of speech.

In addition, the requirements of speech etiquette can apply to the paralinguistic level of communication in general. For example, in Russian speech etiquette, it is prescribed to refrain from too lively facial expressions and gestures, as well as from gestures and facial movements that mimic elementary physiological reactions.

At the same time, it is essential that the same gestures and mimic movements can have different meanings in different linguistic cultures. This poses an urgent task for methodologists and teachers of foreign languages ​​to describe the features of gestures and facial expressions in the studied language culture. Attempts are also being made to create dictionaries of gestures, facial expressions and postures. Differences in the etiquette meaning of gestures and facial expressions are studied in the broad context of the study of systems of gestural and facial communication (

see also GESTURE COMMUNICATION). Speech etiquette in historical and ethno-cultural perspective. It is impossible to name a language culture in which etiquette requirements for speech activity would not be presented. The origins of speech etiquette lie in the most ancient period in the history of the language. In archaic society, speech etiquette (like etiquette in general) has a ritual background. The word is given special meaning associated with magical and ritual ideas, the relationship between man and cosmic forces. Therefore, human speech activity, from the point of view of members of the archaic society, can have a direct impact on people, animals and the world around them; the regulation of this activity is connected, first of all, with the desire to cause certain events (or, on the contrary, to avoid them). Relics of this state are preserved in various units of speech etiquette; for example, many stable formulas are ritual wishes, once perceived as effective:Hello (also be healthy ); Thanks(from God save ). Similarly, many prohibitions on the use of words and constructions, which are considered swear words in the modern language, go back to archaic prohibitions - taboos.

Later layers associated with various stages in the evolution of society and its structure, with religious beliefs, etc. are superimposed on the oldest ideas about the effectiveness of the word. Of particular note is the rather complex system of speech etiquette in hierarchical societies, where the rules of speech communication fit into the semiotics of the social hierarchy. An example is the court of an absolute monarch (the medieval East, Europe at the turn of the New Age). In such societies, etiquette norms became the subject of training and codification and played a dual role: they allowed the speaker to express respect for the interlocutor and at the same time emphasize the sophistication of his own upbringing. The role in the formation of a new, Europeanized elite, which was played in the era of Peter the Great and the subsequent decades of etiquette manuals, including speech etiquette, is well known:

Youth honest mirror , Butts, how they write complements different .

In the speech etiquette of almost all peoples, common features can be distinguished; Thus, practically all peoples have stable formulas of greeting and farewell, forms of respectful appeal to elders, etc. However, these features are realized in each culture in its own way. As a rule, the most detailed system of requirements exists in traditional cultures. At the same time, with a certain degree of conventionality, we can say that the comprehension of speech etiquette by its carriers goes through several stages, as it were. A closed traditional culture is characterized by the absolutization of etiquette requirements for behavior in general and for speech behavior in particular. The bearer of another speech etiquette is perceived here as a poorly educated or immoral person, or as an insulter. In societies that are more open to external contacts, the idea of ​​the difference in speech etiquette among different peoples is usually more developed, and the skills of imitating someone else's speech behavior can even be a source of pride for a member of society.

In modern, especially urban culture, the culture of industrial and post-industrial society, the place of speech etiquette is being radically rethought. On the one hand, the traditional foundations of this phenomenon are being eroded: mythological and religious beliefs, ideas about an unshakable social hierarchy, etc. Speech etiquette is now considered in a purely pragmatic aspect, as a means of achieving a communicative goal: to attract the attention of the interlocutor, to show him respect, to arouse sympathy, to create a comfortable climate for communication. Relics of hierarchical representations are also subject to these tasks; cf., for example, the history of circulation

Mister and the corresponding appeals in other languages: an element of speech etiquette, which once arose as a sign of the social status of the addressee, subsequently becomes a nationwide form of polite address.

On the other hand, speech etiquette remains an important part of the national language and culture. It is impossible to talk about a high level of foreign language proficiency if this proficiency does not include knowledge of the rules of speech communication and the ability to apply these rules in practice. It is especially important to be aware of the differences in national speech etiquette. For example, each language has its own system of addresses that has been formed over the centuries. With a literal translation, the meaning of these appeals is sometimes distorted; yes, english

Dear is used in official addresses, while the corresponding RussianExpensive used, as a rule, in less formal situations. Or another example - in many cultures of the West, the questionHow are you ? should be answered:Good. Answer Badly or Not really It is considered indecent: the interlocutor should not impose his problems. In Russia, it is customary to answer the same question in a neutral, rather with a negative connotation:Nothing ; little by little . Differences in speech etiquette and in general in the systems of rules of speech behavior belong to the competence of a special discipline - linguistic and regional studies.LITERATURE Vereshchagin E.M., Kostomarov V.G.Language and Culture: Linguistics and Regional Studies in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language . M., 1983
Formanovskaya N.I.Russian speech etiquette: linguistic and methodological aspects . M., 1987
Baiburin A.K., Toporkov A.L.At the Origins of Etiquette: Ethnographic Essays . L., 1990

Words are not only a means of expressing thoughts. Language is a powerful tool for building relationships with others and influencing society as a whole. In Russian, speech etiquette is a complex system, formed over centuries of reforms in the field of literature, changes in the social system. Ways and manner of communication depend on ideology, moral norms, scientific and cultural development.

Differences in Russian speech etiquette

  1. In Russian etiquette, there are no personal appeals that are neutral in terms of social status. After the revolution, the universal “sir” and “madame” were lost, and with the end of the communist era, the equalizing “comrade”. Now these appeals either look pretentious and old-fashioned, or have an ideological connotation. Now when interacting with strangers on etiquette use impersonal forms of phrasing.
  2. Russian speech etiquette is unique using first and last name as a sign of respect for the interlocutor. There are few analogues of this address in other languages. Diminutive forms of names are used to emphasize a close or related relationship.
  3. According to the speech etiquette of Russia, it is customary to use plural pronoun in official communication. This is a way to emphasize the importance of the interlocutor or to strengthen personal boundaries. The transition to occurs when there is closeness or community between people.

Intonation

The voice can emphasize the meaning of what is said or give the words a completely different meaning. The expressiveness of speech is given by appropriate intonations. The most etiquette-correct phrases from the lips of a skeptic will sound like an insult, and a dry official text from a benevolent person can console or support. The voice not only expresses feelings, it will help to show the real meaning of what was said, hidden behind the words.

The main components of intonation:

  • Tone. Changing the pitch creates a melody of speech, gives liveliness to the statement. The tone rises as the story progresses and falls as the thought ends. Too even a tone causes boredom in the listener, makes it difficult to perceive the meaning of what was said.
  • Sound intensity. According to etiquette, an excessively loud conversation is considered indecent, disturbing the peace of others, and no one will hear a quiet remark. One of the common oratorical speech techniques is a sharp decrease in the intensity of the sound, forcing the listeners to pay attention to the words.
  • Rhythm. You can induce a person to action with a phrase spoken at a fast pace. By reducing the rhythm of speech, it is also customary to emphasize the solemnity or tragedy of the moment. Oaths, oaths, expressions of condolence according to etiquette are pronounced slowly.
  • pauses. They help to separate one logical part of the story from another or to intrigue the listener. Inappropriate pauses distort the meaning of the phrase, violate the speech structure.
  • stress. Highlights the most important words.
  • Voice timbre. Creates emotional coloring. The low timbre of the voice is considered more pleasing to the listener.

Thanks to intonation, the conversation always turns out to be more saturated with emotional nuances than correspondence or text; contributes to a better understanding and response of the interlocutor. The choice of intonation in accordance with speech etiquette depends on the situation. A monotonous narration characterizes the formal, suitable for reading official documents, negotiations with officials. A change of intonation can express doubt, feelings, consent, but the transition to an overly emotional manner of speaking is considered indecent.

Russian mat, slang phrases, curses

The courtesy rules of each country for social groups who consider themselves decent have their own taboos.

The national features of Russian speech etiquette are forbidden vocabulary, which includes rude curses, the famous Russian obscenity, jargons of the underworld. Some writers and journalists consider them even a part of Russian culture for their emotionality and wide application possibilities.

Swear words have a bright expressive coloring, they are used to verbally express strong negative emotions, delight or surprise. The meanings of mats have a sexual connotation, some pseudo-religious thinkers even give them a sacred meaning.

Numerous attempts to ban swearing by law and even replace some quite decent words reminiscent of such curses have not brought results. Taboo only creates numerous substitutes that look almost decent. Now it is difficult to draw a clear line between swearing and simply expressive expressions.

In the 90s. of the last century, there was a fashion for prison jargon. Russian "fenya", the language of criminals, entered the media, literary works, everyday conversations. Some researchers have appreciated the thieves' jargon for its imagery.

Speech etiquette in modern Russian has many communication formulas to demonstrate a wide range of emotions in a conversation. All expressions either have a strict official tone, or determine the degree of closeness with the interlocutor.

In his Dictionary of Russian Speech Etiquette, Professor of Philology A. G. Balakai described more than 6 thousand phrases for all possible situations. When meeting, greeting, parting, it is customary to exchange replicas that have been established over the centuries.

In Russia, according to etiquette, it is not customary to greet passers-by, neighbors in the stairwell, so there is no need to create neutral speech structures. If communication has begun, means are used to convey the features of the relationship as much as possible, to express feelings for the interlocutor. Even universal is a good wish for a person's health.

catch phrases

Catch phrases in everyday vocabulary came from books or sayings of famous people. Their difference from other fixed expressions in close connection with historical or literary sources. Winged words and phrases spoken to the place make the speech more interesting, help to convey emotions better, show the erudition of the speaker. These expressions of the Russian language in speech etiquette perform the function of an expressive assessment of events, they are able to briefly convey to the listener the complex meaning of the statement.

Proverbs and sayings

Proverbs and sayings contain the truth and wisdom of the whole people. Their use in everyday communication or solemn speeches makes it possible to enrich statements, fill them with deep meaning. The use of this speech technique requires a deep sense of the meaning of the phrase. A proverb or saying used to the place will give expressiveness to the conversation, help to find common ground with the interlocutor, and remind you of history.

Phraseological units and idioms

Such a language tool captivates with expressiveness, figurativeness in the speech assessment of what is happening. Phraseologisms help to accurately express approval, condemnation, ridicule or a negative attitude towards the event.

The main mistakes in the use of phraseological units:

  • Used in the wrong context. Misunderstanding the meaning of the expression.
  • Too literal usage. "Head like a falcon" to describe a naked person.
  • Grammar distortion. The use of incorrect endings of a stable phrase. “He worked with his sleeves down” instead of the correct “sleeveless”.
  • Lexical errors. Removing individual words from a phraseological unit or inserting new ones. Illiterate combination of phraseological units.

The richness of the language

The main specificity of modern Russian speech etiquette is the elimination of hostility between interlocutors. The cultural feature of the rules of politeness of Russians is tolerance, tact, and the desire for mutual understanding. The use of stable communication formulas helps to quickly find the right conversation strategy.

Speech culture and etiquette are impossible without the true richness of speech. The abundance of stable phrases, proverbs, sayings makes the Russian language diverse, capacious, well-aimed.

However, the use of formulaic phrases turns speech into an empty formality, a dry likeness. The use of cliched expressions of officials, clericalism, impoverishes the language, creating heavy constructions.

Speech etiquette is a complex system of using language techniques for effective communication. Features of the Russian rules of polite conversation are correctness, tact, courtesy as a way to reduce aggressive reactions to words or deeds. Respectful communication helps to avoid using language formulas and techniques that are understandable to the social group.

In order to always be on top and not lose face, it is worth knowing the basic rules of speech etiquette “perfectly”. In the Russian language, as in any other culture of the world, there are certain subtleties and features of speech etiquette. Yes, there are not so few of them. However, knowing the rules of behavior in various speech situations will help you brilliantly make speeches, negotiate, and conduct personal conversations. You will learn how to negotiate and avoid various incidental situations that may cast doubt on your reputation.

What is speech etiquette?

It is worth starting with what the term “speech etiquette” itself means. Do I need to draw up rules of speech etiquette for myself, or is there some specific written set of norms?

In short, speech etiquette refers to the ability to communicate politely and tactfully.

If you constantly use these rules in everyday life, you can easily build good relationships with colleagues, neighbors, relatives, partners, friends, etc.

In short, the speech culture of behavior is not only a set of certain norms. It is also everyday communication. In some way, this is also a litmus test, which allows you to determine at the first communication how literate a person is, how polite, tactful. The level of speech etiquette helps to assess the social status and level of human development.

Despite the fact that every country, every culture has its own rules that help us understand what kind of person it is, it is very difficult to identify all the rules of speech etiquette - there are so many of them.

Basic rules of speech etiquette

The main, basic rules of speech etiquette in Russian are varied. But it will not be difficult for you to understand them if you grew up in this country and the basic formulations or “starting formulas” were instilled in you from childhood. What it is? In fact, everything is not so difficult.

Under the starting formulas, linguists and psychologists usually mean a habit:

  • greet the interlocutor correctly and in accordance with the situation;
  • be sure to say goodbye;
  • to thank for the offered help;
  • apologize.

Many people learned these rules at an early age. But over the years, a person develops his own rules of speech etiquette, which he strives to strictly follow. What is it expressed in? It’s not at all that adults can be rude to an interlocutor or utter a bad word. Not at all! With experience, a person learns to politely maintain a conversation, even if he is not familiar with the topic.

It is important here not to abruptly interrupt the conversation and not to refuse it. This is uncivilized! Also, over the years, we learn to correctly and correctly express our point of view. Even if it does not correspond to generally accepted standards, it is important to communicate it politely.

The main stages of each speech situation

Following the basic rules of speech etiquette, each person must understand that any conversation is divided into 3 stages:

  1. Introduction (or greeting).
  2. Main part.
  3. Conclusion.

Each of the stages has certain features. It would seem that everyone knows what rules of speech etiquette "work" in the first part of the conversation. Still, it wouldn't hurt to repeat them. It is very important to choose the right phrases for greetings. They depend on your interlocutor. His age, social status, gender should be taken into account. But there are no clear boundaries and restrictions here. That is, you can say “Good morning!”, “Hello!”, “Hello!”. The first and last options are universal. They apply in every situation. After all, their meaning indicates a polite attitude. "Hi!" and similar phrases are permissible only in dialogue with friends and some relatives.

Also, there are no uniform formulas for communication in the main part of the conversation. A lot depends on the situation, the goals of the conversation and many other factors. To determine the line of conduct and the rules of speech etiquette, you need to know the facts, that is, the interlocutor himself and the essence of the conversation.

Another important aspect is a well-formed conclusion. Here, too, there are certain subtleties. According to general norms, it is customary to say the words of farewell and discuss the possibility of the next meeting. There are also generic phrases here. If you do not know how to end a conversation in a given situation, then use the generally accepted wording. These may be variants of "All the best!" or "Goodbye!".

Principles of speech etiquette

Speech etiquette is based on certain principles. There is nothing difficult in their comprehension, since all these are generally accepted moral principles and values.

Accordingly, when conducting any conversation, you should rely on a respectful attitude towards the interlocutor, do not interrupt him, do not raise your voice, do not shout, do not insult, do not speak in parallel.

It would seem that everything is elementary simple. But it is still worth highlighting the basic principles of the rules of speech behavior in Russian:

  • brevity;
  • politeness;
  • accuracy;
  • literacy;
  • relevance.

Here are the main components of successful communication in a business environment and in everyday interpersonal interaction.

Goodwill and readiness for mutual cooperation - these are the basics of etiquette. If you follow these laws, then pleasant communication is guaranteed to you. In addition, this approach provides an opportunity to clearly agree on productive cooperation.

It is important to be able to select phrases that are appropriate in a given situation. In this case, it is required to take into account the social status and age of the interlocutor. Don't forget how familiar you are with him.

Also, your speech should always be filled with meaning. Empty phrases, behind which there is nothing, are a clear manifestation of disrespect for the interlocutor. Try to avoid using them. Let your speech be informative.

As for literacy, this condition is one of the most important. To pass for a cultured person, it is worth using words correctly depending on their meaning and the context of the conversation. Don't forget about accents. Unfortunately, many people sin by shifting the focus to the wrong vowels even in the simplest words.

Brief but important requirements of speech etiquette

If you decide to strictly follow the rules of speech etiquette, then you should consider several important requirements:


These are only the most important, basic rules of speech etiquette. Use them in your daily life and it will become more pleasant and easier!

It is impossible to name a language culture in which etiquette requirements for speech activity would not be presented. The origins of speech etiquette lie in the most ancient period in the history of the language. In archaic society, speech etiquette (like etiquette in general) has a ritual background. The word is given special meaning associated with magical and ritual ideas, the relationship between man and cosmic forces. Therefore, human speech activity, from the point of view of members of the archaic society, can have a direct impact on people, animals and the world around them; the regulation of this activity is connected, first of all, with the desire to cause certain events (or, on the contrary, to avoid them). Relics of this state are preserved in various units of speech etiquette; for example, many stable formulas are ritual wishes, once perceived as effective: Hello (also Be healthy); Thank you (from God Save). Similarly, many prohibitions on the use of words and constructions, which are considered swear words in the modern language, go back to archaic prohibitions - taboos.

Later layers associated with various stages in the evolution of society and its structure, with religious beliefs, etc. are superimposed on the oldest ideas about the effectiveness of the word. Of particular note is the rather complex system of speech etiquette in hierarchical societies, where the rules of speech communication fit into the semiotics of the social hierarchy. An example is the court of an absolute monarch (the medieval East, Europe at the turn of the New Age). In such societies, etiquette norms became the subject of training and codification and played a dual role: they allowed the speaker to express respect for the interlocutor and at the same time emphasize the sophistication of his own upbringing. The role in the formation of a new, Europeanized elite, which was played in the Petrine era and subsequent decades of etiquette manuals, is well known.

In the speech etiquette of almost all peoples, common features can be distinguished; Thus, practically all peoples have stable formulas of greeting and farewell, forms of respectful appeal to elders, etc. However, these features are realized in each culture in its own way. As a rule, the most detailed system of requirements exists in traditional cultures. At the same time, with a certain degree of conventionality, we can say that the comprehension of speech etiquette by its carriers goes through several stages, as it were. A closed traditional culture is characterized by the absolutization of etiquette requirements for behavior in general and for speech behavior in particular. The bearer of another speech etiquette is perceived here as a poorly educated or immoral person, or as an insulter. In societies that are more open to external contacts, the idea of ​​the difference in speech etiquette among different peoples is usually more developed, and the skills of imitating someone else's speech behavior can even be a source of pride for a member of society.

In modern, especially urban culture, the culture of industrial and post-industrial society, the place of speech etiquette is being radically rethought. On the one hand, the traditional foundations of this phenomenon are being eroded: mythological and religious beliefs, ideas about an unshakable social hierarchy, etc. Speech etiquette is now considered in a purely pragmatic aspect, as a means of achieving a communicative goal: to attract the attention of the interlocutor, to show him respect, to arouse sympathy, to create a comfortable climate for communication. Relics of hierarchical representations are also subject to these tasks; compare, for example, the history of addressing Mr. and the corresponding addresses in other languages: an element of speech etiquette, which once arose as a sign of the social status of the addressee, subsequently becomes a nationwide form of polite address.

On the other hand, speech etiquette remains an important part of the national language and culture. It is impossible to talk about a high level of foreign language proficiency if this proficiency does not include knowledge of the rules of speech communication and the ability to apply these rules in practice. It is especially important to be aware of the differences in national speech etiquette. For example, each language has its own system of addresses that has been formed over the centuries. With a literal translation, the meaning of these appeals is sometimes distorted; thus, the English Dear is used in formal address, while the corresponding Russian Dear is used, as a rule, in less formal situations. Or another example - in many cultures of the West to the question How are you? should answer: Good. The answer Bad or Not very considered indecent: the interlocutor should not impose his problems. In Russia, it is customary to answer the same question in a neutral, rather with a negative connotation: Nothing; Little by little. Differences in speech etiquette and, in general, in the systems of rules of speech behavior belong to the competence of a special discipline - linguistic and cultural studies.

Every language has its own history, its ups and downs. At especially critical moments of state reforms, there is always a danger of losing attention to this national treasure, being distracted by the seemingly more important needs and problems of society. In our time of great social and spiritual changes, this danger has increased many times over.

The Russian language over the past two decades has endured many not the best influences and intrusions. The alarm was sounded by dozens of scientific and cultural figures. Back in the early 90s, realizing that there was an ugly pollution of the Russian language, the writers of the St. Petersburg organization of the Writers' Union of Russia raised the issue of adopting the Law on the Protection of the Russian Language at the state level. And only at the beginning of the 98th year this Law was adopted, which refers to the mandatory introduction of the course of the Russian language, the culture of speech in all universities of the country and the adoption of special measures to increase the level of literacy of the population.

Speech etiquette has national specifics. Each nation has created its own system of rules of speech behavior. In Russian society, such qualities as tact, courtesy, tolerance, goodwill, and restraint are of particular value.

Tact is an ethical norm that requires the speaker to understand the interlocutor, avoid inappropriate questions, and discuss topics that may be unpleasant for him.

Courtesy lies in the ability to anticipate possible questions and wishes of the interlocutor, the readiness to inform him in detail on all topics essential for the conversation.

Tolerance consists in being calm about possible differences of opinion, avoiding harsh criticism of the interlocutor's views. You should respect the opinions of other people, try to understand why they have this or that point of view. Consistency is closely related to such a quality of character as tolerance - the ability to calmly respond to unexpected or tactless questions and statements of the interlocutor.

Goodwill is necessary both in relation to the interlocutor, and in the entire construction of the conversation: in its content and form, in intonation and choice of words.

Appeal is the most massive and most striking etiquette sign.

There are few personal pronouns in Russian, but their weight in speech etiquette is quite large. The choice between you and you is especially important. You instead of You in addressing one among Russians appeared relatively recently (in the 18th century). This kind of you was entrenched primarily among the educated nobles. Prior to that, You in itself had no etiquette content. But in comparison with you, it acquired the meaning of closeness, and in the communication of people who are not close, it began to express social inequality, communication from top to bottom. You spoke to the commoners, the servants. Gradually capturing more and more layers of the townspeople, the use of You and You, respectively, received various shades in accordance with the attitude typical of each social group.

The presence in the Russian language of the forms of address to "you" and "you" gives us an effective means of being polite. Personal pronouns are directly related to speech etiquette. They are associated with self-naming and naming of the interlocutor, with the feeling that "decent" and "indecent" in such naming. For example, when a person corrects an interlocutor: “Tell me“ you ”,“ Don’t poke, please ”, he expresses dissatisfaction with the“ disrespectful ”pronoun directed at him. So, “you” is not always empty, and “you” is not always cordial? Usually "you" is used when referring to a loved one, in an informal setting, and when the address is rudely familiar; "you" - in a polite manner, in a formal setting, in an appeal to a stranger, unfamiliar. Although there are many nuances here.

It is not customary for Russians to call the third person present during the conversation with the pronoun he (she). Russian speech etiquette provides for naming a third person present during a conversation by name (and patronymic), if you already have to speak with him and for him. Apparently, Russians clearly feel that I and You, We and You are, as it were, inclusive pronouns, that is, those that distinguish interlocutors from all the others, and He, She, They are exclusive pronouns, indicating not the one with whom this time communicate, but on something third. Meanwhile, the etiquette of many countries does not prohibit such a speech action - the "exclusion" of the present.

Among the many introductory words of the Russian language, there are those that, like etiquette means of confirmation or denial, can be considered a special technique of etiquette modulation of speech. For example, introductory words you see, you know, you understand, believe me, imagine.

It is clear that the introductory words whose behavior we observe, although they serve mainly to express the connection with the interlocutor, i.e. have the most common etiquette meanings, nevertheless retained traces of the meaning of the corresponding verbs. Therefore, with the same etiquette content, you see, you know, you understand, imagine that introductory words like them are completely semantic, but they are still not equal. Each of them has its own additional meaning.

If we compare the etiquette possibilities of Russian speech with the etiquette possibilities of other languages, it turns out that etiquette means are obligatory and optional, or optional. This is reminiscent of how different languages ​​convey the meaning of certainty/uncertainty. Speaking in Russian, reporting that a boy is coming, he can emphasize that this is a very definite boy, the same one that has already been discussed, can show that this is some kind of boy about whom nothing is known, but may not express in this definition/uncertainty value sentence: A boy is coming. Of course, the whole situation of speech, as well as the preceding and following phrases, usually make it clear whether we are talking about a definite or indefinite boy, but in Russian the means of expressing these meanings are not obligatory: Russian grammar does not require that a special indicator of definiteness be attached to a noun. or uncertainty of the subject. But the English, French, German grammar, as you know, requires this when translating a sentence. There is a boy in French, German, English, we are obliged to choose a definite or indefinite article, use the obligatory means of conveying the meaning of certainty / uncertainty.

In the same way, in some languages ​​there are only non-mandatory etiquette means, while in other languages ​​there are also mandatory ones. Such is, say, the Japanese language. Almost all Japanese verbs can have an emphatically polite form in relation to the addressee of the speech and a familiar form.

Whatever we talk about in Japanese (even if not about the addressee of the speech!), We have to choose either a polite or familiar form of the verb, i.e., whether we want it or not, show our attitude towards the addressee. But in the Russian language there are no grammatical prescriptions when and in what way the etiquette content must certainly be expressed. This means that the etiquette means of the Russian language are optional.

However, as we have already seen, the etiquette possibilities not only do not decrease, but become more subtle and flexible!

There are incredibly many ways to convey etiquette meanings in speech. Every time we choose what to say and how to say it, we necessarily take into account (although we do not always notice it ourselves) also with whom and in what environment we are talking. Therefore, speeches that have nothing to do with etiquette, perhaps, do not exist at all. If several styles have developed in the language (book speech, colloquial, scientific style, business, etc.) and there is a difference in the speech of individual social groups (speech of educated people and not educated, literary and dialect, speech of young and elderly, etc. .), then the very choice of the type of speech turns out to be an etiquette sign, expresses the attitude towards the listener or to the one we mention.

Surprisingly diverse etiquette signs in the speech of different peoples. For example, the types of interjections that accompany the appeal. In some languages, they differ depending on who is speaking to whom. Thus, they indicate the composition of those communicating, and, therefore, carry important etiquette information.

In many languages, in order to convey etiquette content, intentional deviations of the grammatical number, grammatical gender, the replacement of one form of the face with another, special "polite" and "super polite" words, and a peculiar structure of the sentence are used. It is difficult to list the etiquette means of oral speech alone, but also the etiquette techniques that are used in writing! Remember at least the capitalization of polite forms you, you, you, yours, yours, etc.

In speech etiquette, there are situations when body language is very important. Each nation has its own specific gesture:

Russians, British, Americans shake hands as a greeting gesture.

The Chinese in the old days, meeting a friend, shook hands with himself.

The Laplanders rub their noses.

A young American greets a friend by patting him on the back.

Latinos embrace.

The French kiss each other on the cheek.

Without knowing the national characteristics of gestures, you can get into an awkward position. For example, in Bulgaria, the signs "yes" and "no" are the opposite of the common European form, and representatives of the indigenous population may misinterpret the answer to the question asked.

What should a Japanese think if a European, entering into a business conversation, does not shake hands with him? He may assume that the interlocutor respects his national customs - in Japan it is not customary to shake hands. But, on the other hand, he may consider this disrespectful to him personally - the Japanese know that in the society to which the partner belongs, the handshake gesture is accepted.

Even similar gestures can be used differently in different national cultures. For example, in Hungary, a man always raises his hat when greeting, but in our country this is not at all necessary and is more common for older people.

The handshake gesture when greeting in Bulgaria is used much more often than it is customary in our country. There, when greeting a group of interlocutors, it is advisable to shake hands with everyone. It's optional for us.

Thus, a gesture can say a lot. In particular, to characterize the person making the gesture in terms of national characteristics. For example, in Czechoslovakia, when listing something, the fingers are not bent into a fist, starting with the little finger, as is customary with us, but, on the contrary, from the clenched fist they “open”, starting with the thumb, finger after finger. In a Russian environment, such a gesture immediately betrays a foreigner.

In some situations, speech etiquette shows more gestures, in others less. In some situations, a complete replacement of replicas is acceptable, in others it is not, and of course, each gesture is distinguished by its "style", and each time a person chooses the most appropriate in a given situation.

There are many examples of the national specificity of speech and non-speech behavior of different peoples. In China, even when talking about themselves, the Chinese manage to talk to you about you more than about themselves, as if retreating into the shadows, shading themselves very delicately. But at the same time, the Chinese are very attentively watching how delicate you are, still being able to insist on your interest in him.

In Japan, in conversations, people in every possible way avoid the words “no”, “I can’t”, “I don’t know”, as if these are some kind of curses, something that cannot be said directly, but only allegorically, in general terms. Even refusing a second cup of tea, the guest instead of "no, thank you" uses an expression that literally means "I already feel great."

If a Tokyo acquaintance says: "Before answering your proposal, I must consult with my wife," then one should not think that he is a champion of women's equality. This is just one way to not say the word "no".

In the speech etiquette of different nations there are many completely dissimilar, peculiar expressions, but even similar ones (like please and please) are still not completely identical. From an American point of view, our please has forty thousand different shades of meaning and is as similar to the English please as, for example, the phrase "I love you, dear" to the phrase "Let's get married."

In essence, each language is a unique national system of signs. In speech etiquette, the specifics of the habits and customs of the people are superimposed on the national specifics of the language. Therefore, in the forms of speech etiquette, a peculiar phraseology is formed.

Features of Russian etiquette can be traced in the preparation of proposals and their writing.

  • synonyms - these are words with the same or very close meaning (firm - organization, agreement - contract, request - application, grateful - grateful, ...);
  • pleonasms - they call a partial coincidence of the meanings of words that form a phrase;
  • · tautology - semantic repetitions that occur in cases where cognate words are adjacent in a sentence;
  • Homonyms are words that sound the same but differ in meaning.

The concept of the stylistic coloring of a word is usually associated with the attachment of the word to a particular area of ​​use and with the emotional and expressive qualities of the word, i.e. with his ability not only to name the phenomenon, but also to express the attitude to the subject of thought.

The area of ​​use differs:

  • 1. Vocabulary interstyle, i.e. those words that are used by everyone and in any conditions (quality, receive, offer ...).
  • 2. Book and written vocabulary, i.e. words that are predominantly used in book-writing styles and are associated with those areas of language use for which the written form of expression is the main one. In its composition, one can single out “bookish” words (payment, contract, contract ...), terms (catalog - a magazine indicating the goods produced by the enterprise), clericalism, poeticism.
  • 3. Vocabulary of oral speech, i.e. words inherent in everyday speech, everyday business language, etc. The vocabulary of oral speech includes colloquial, vernacular, professionalism, jargon, dialectisms.

Abbreviations of words (abbreviation) - a new productive way of word production, which is actively used in business correspondence.

The phraseology of a language is a set of stable, integral in composition and meaning combinations of words and expressions. In business correspondence, the role of phraseological units is performed by standard syntactic constructions, which are divided into:

Request letter: “We will be grateful if you send to our address ...” etiquette requirement speech activity

Inquiry response: "Thank you for your inquiry from..."

Letter of request: "We appeal to you with a request ..."

Reminder letter: "We inform you that..."

Cover letter: “According to your request, we are sending you…”

Notification letter: “In response to your letter of ... we inform you ...”

Letter of invitation: "Let me invite you to ..."

Letter of gratitude: "We received your invitation to ... .., for which we are grateful to you."

Russian has a relatively free word order in a sentence. This means that the members of the sentence do not have a fixed place (as in some other languages) and their relative position can change depending on the type of sentence or at the will of the speaker. The rearrangement of words in order to emphasize the semantic significance of a word is called inversion.

Inversion is an important stylistic device. Its significance increases in written speech, since the writer is deprived of the opportunity to highlight the desired word with intonation. A thoughtful change in word order allows the writer to draw the reader's attention to a particular word and thereby set off important points in the content of the statement.

A sentence may contain phrases that are not its members, but perform a certain semantic function. This includes introductory words (to our great regret, also in connection with this).

In business correspondence, complex sentences are more common than simple ones. A complex sentence allows you to link a large number of words into a single whole and thereby express a more complex idea - emphasize important semantic shades, give arguments, give a detailed justification of the main provisions, etc. In addition, the use of conjunctions and allied words makes it possible to accurately determine those semantic relationships that exist between the individual parts of a detailed statement.

In business letters, in addition to introductory words, participial and participle phrases are often used, which also add semantic nuances.

In general, the use of such constructions in business speech is not a mistake. But in some cases the proposal should be simplified.

Etiquette communication plays a big role in the life of each of us, but, of course, human communication is not at all reduced to rituals alone.

Etiquette situations are only a part of communication.

All human activity, including communication, reflects the social conditions in which it takes place. And our speech, of course, is built differently depending on who communicates, for what purpose, in what way, what kind of relationship between those who communicate. We are so accustomed to changing the type of speech depending on the conditions of communication that we do this most often unconsciously, automatically. The perception of information about human relations transmitted by the features of speech also occurs automatically. But it is worth making a mistake in choosing the type of speech, as the automaticity of perception is violated and we immediately notice what previously eluded our attention. Speech fluctuates in time with human relations - this is the etiquette modulation of speech. Special etiquette communication takes place, as we already know, only from time to time, but modifications (modulation) of verbal and non-verbal behavior under the influence of human relations always occur. This means that this is one of the most important means of expressing etiquette content - a means that is always at our disposal.