4. The general problems of the functional style study

There are many definitions of the notion «functional style» as well as «style» itself.   

T. Znamenskaya writes that the term «functional style» reflects peculiar functions of the language in this or that type of communicative interaction. She also says that it is «a variety of the national language traditionally used in one of the socially identifiable spheres of life that is characterized by a particular set of linguistic features, including vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation»

I. Galperin Considered a functional style as a system of closely connected language means, which is used to reach a definite aim in communication. In his opinion, a functional style is also regarded as the product of a concrete task set by the sender of the message. 

N. Razinkina writes that in order to distinguish a functional style, it is necessary to do the following:

• to take into consideration the extralinguistic factors of its existence; 

• to see the aim of distinguishing it; 

• to analyze the stereotypical linguistic means used in this or that style; 

• to distinguish between the phenomena of «genre» and «style» and to study genres within the system of functional styles. 

In reality two features of functional styles are important:

•  the tendency to unite special properties 

•  the tendency to differentiate. It allows us to speak about the development of styles. N. Razinkina thinks that we should speak about a functional style as a living, dynamic phenomenon

Various scholars suggest different classifications of functional styles. Foreign linguists, among them D. Crystal, speak about casual (non-formal) and non-casual (formal) styles or variations which are subdivided into regional (show the place from which this language comes), social (talk about the speaker`s education, family and status: a university graduate, a political activist etc.), occupational (variations testify to the speaker`s professional activity) and individual.

Among the above-mentioned styles, D. Crystal`s subdivision of the occupational one resembles the classifications given by Russian scholars. It includes:

• religious;

• scientific;

• law;

• official;

• political;

• media (news).

The latter covers the language of Mass Media of all kinds and includes:

• news reporting;  

• journalistic; 

• broadcasting; 

• sports commentary; 

• advertising.

I. Galperin distinguishes 5 major functional styles.

1. the belles-lettres style;

2. the publicist style;

3. the newspaper style;

4. the scientific prose style;

5. the style of official documents.

I. Galperinalso divided the styles he distinguished into the following sub-styles:

1. the belles-lettres style is divided into:

• a) the language style of poetry;

• b) the language style of emotive prose;

• c) the language style of drama.

2. the publicist style comprises:

• a) the language style of oratory;

• b) the language style of essays;

• c) the language style of articles in newspapers and journals.

3. the newspaper style falls into:

• a) the language style of brief news items;

• b) the language style of headlines;

• c) the language style of announcements and advertisements;

• d) the language style of editorials.

4. the style of scientific prose can be divided into:

• a) the language style of humanities;

• b) the language style of science;

• c) the language style of popular scientific prose.

5. the style of official documents has 4 varieties:

• a) the language style of diplomatic documents;

• b) the language style of business documents;

• c) the language style of legal documents;

• d) the language style of military documents 

Arnold gives the neutral style, which is the unmarked member of opposition and the background for different special features. The neutral style is opposed by two groups of styles: