International journal
ISSN 2311-0759 (Online)
ISSN 2311-0740 (Print)


the contemporary system of speech genres

The Otgovorka and the Otgovor in the System of Speech Genres

  The research deals with two related genres, representing the periphery of the contemporary system of speech genres. The otgovorka is a genre of children’s folklore, reflecting a specific form of children’s communicative behavior. It allows to defend oneself against verbal aggression with the help of a certain list of cliched (most often rhymed) texts well known in children’s subculture. In the speech of adults it corresponds to the otgovor - a genre uncharacteristic of literary speech, the sphere of its usage is folk culture.

The Taboo in the System of Speech and Folklore Genres

The research deals with the taboo as a traditional speech genre, which is a prominent part of the contem­porary system of speech genres. The taboo as a speech and partly folklore genre is based on the system of beliefs passed down from generation to generation, and ensures compliance with certain rules of behav­ior, first of all – preventing actions which, according to the traditional world view, can harm the violator.