SEMANTIC AND PRAGMATIC ASPECTS OF THE SPEECH GENRE OFFER/SUGGESTION/PROPOSAL

Abstract

Тhe article is devoted to the genre features of the «off er/suggestion/proposal», which is currently actively used in the social, household and business spheres of communication. Despite its pervasive usage, the «off er/ suggestion/proposal» as a speech genre remains a subject that is yet to be comprehensively studied and defi ned, particularly with regard to its semantic categories and genre variations. This lack of comprehensive understanding is partly attributed to the absence of consensus within the academic community regarding the genre uniqueness of the proposal, stemming from its fl exibility and specifi c functions in speech (spontaneity, unobtrusiveness, etc.). In this regard, the aim of the work was to parameterize the genre of «off er/suggestion/proposal» based on a model of speech genre proposed by T. V. Shmeleva. This model encompasses two principal components, accounting for both structural-semantic and pragmatic aspects, thereby off ering a detailed exposition of the key genre parameters associated with the «off er/suggestion/proposal». Two primary semantic-pragmatic types have been delineated: 1) off er-help, involving the transfer of objects such as items, food, or information, readiness to act, and the expression of ideas; 2) off er-request, encompassing invitations, proposals for joint activities, exchanges, and even marriage proposal. Particular emphasis is placed on the second component, which delves into the compositional structure of the ‘sentence,’ a structure that is variable and may incorporate distinct tactical techniques contingent upon situational and contemporary speech characteristics. Future research endeavors will delve into the exploration of the indirect meanings conveyed through the «off er/suggestion/proposal» in response to various communicative scenarios, thereby shedding light on the corresponding tactical techniques that come into play.