The expressive function of colloquialisms in professional discourse: The linguopragmatic aspect

Abstract

In this study the expressive function of colloquialisms is examined through the lens of linguopragmatics using the material from professional discourse, which is marked by a strict structure of expressing ideas. The study identifies expressive means of influencing the recipient and traces general trends of using colloquialisms in the English-language mass media texts as well as transcripts of business talks held between some major companies. The paper elucidates the concept of linguopragmatics and defines the subject of studies within this discipline, as well as addresses notions of colloquialisms and their expressive function. We have found that colloquialisms are increasingly used in professional discourse. The study provides an overview of the concept of lexical-semantic field, as colloquialisms are mostly actualised at the lexical level. The authors investigate the lexical-semantic field “to invest money” comprised of colloquialisms from English-language mass media outlets, along with colloquialisms used in transcripts of large companies. The following expressive means of producing an influence on the recipient have been found in the texts: bold type, capitalisation of each word, italics, numerals, capitalisation of abbreviations (the graphic level); phrasal words, metaphors, allusions, positive particles, abbreviations, epithets, short forms of nouns (the lexical level); declarative sentences, interrogatory sentences, parcellation, antithesis, parallel structures (the syntactic level). The expressive function of colloquialisms is widely reflected in professional discourse. After comparing the use of colloquialisms in mass media texts and talks transcripts we found that the most frequent expressive means are declarative sentences at the syntactical level and metaphors at the lexical level.

Linguistic means of reflecting gender-related changes in modern society (exemplified by English-language newspapers advertisements)

“…Femininity is most often displayed at the level of vocabulary and stylistics and it is represented by emotionally colored vocabulary, stylistically low vocabulary, euphemisms and modal constructions. It gives an idea that these language tools are used for the purpose of emotional impact on readers [Malyuga, Yermishina: 2021]. It is noted that at the lexical level, expressive means are often used to give femininity a more "aggressive" shade, which indicates a certain tendency in constructing a new image of femininity in the Englishlanguage media discourse: a modern woman is strong and fearless, she constantly struggles not only with obstacles that arise on the way to her success, but also with stereotypes and conventions.…”

Hedging in English business discourse: the liguopragmatic aspect

“…Выполнение речевого задания говорящего сфокусировано в первую очередь на достижении определенного эффекта, который должен привести к осознанию и соответствующим действиям со стороны реципиента (Песина, 2019). Таким образом, речевое воздействиеэто влияние на реципиента при помощи вербального или невербального воздействия с целью достижения целей говорящего, который в ходе речевого взаимодействия пытается изменить поведение, намерения, потенциальные оценочные суждения и установки адресата сообщения (Malyuga, 2021).…”

Collocations of the Lexico-Semantic Field “Moving Forward”: Linguopragmatic Approach

“…The interlocutor is seen as an official person, a bearer of a social role (company director, manager, administrative staff, investor, etc.). Also, social roles can be represented in the form of the following hierarchies: "supervisor" -"subordinate", "seller" -"buyer", "client" -"customer" (Malyuga & Yermishina, 2021).…”