Functional Styles of the Language

Introduction

Each style of the literary language makes use of a number of language means the interrelation of which is peculiar of a given style. It is the coordination of language means and SDs, which shapes (формирует, оформляет) the distinctive features of each style, but not separate EMs and SDs.

Each style can be recognized, however by one or more leading features, which are especially conspicuous. For example, the use of special terminology is characteristic of the style of scientific prose.

A language style can be defined as a system of coordinated, interrelated and inter-conditioned language means intended to fulfil a specific communicative function and aiming at a definite effect.

Each style is a relatively stable system at a given stage in the literary language development. But it can change considerably from one period to another. Therefore a style is a historical category. One style can give birth to another. This was the case with the newspaper style, which appeared from the publicist style. The development of each style is conditioned by the changes in the norms of Standard English. It is also greatly influenced by changing social conditions, the progress of science and development of culture.

The English literary language has worked out a number of styles easily distinguishable from one another. In its turn, each style falls into different variants, which have some points of resemblance.