Theoretical Phonetics

Informational  Style.

    It is sometimes called ”formal” or “neutral”. It is used in educational information, press reporting and broadcasting, especially when reading news over the radio and T.V. The degrees of formality vary. A purely descriptive text, most commonly heard in class is the ideal informational style. This style may also present round-table talks, discussions of political events, so there is much stylistic freedom.

               Academic  Style.

   It is described as both intellectual and volitional. The purpose of the speakers is to attract the listener’s attention, to establish close contacts, to direct the public attention to the message. It is used in reading lectures, in scientific discussions, at the conferences, seminars, in class. A lecturer sounds self-assured, instructive, authoritative. It sounds very loud and rhythmical.

               Publicistic  Style.

It is always called “oratorical”. The aim of the speaker is to extend persuasive and emotional influence on the listeners. It can be heard in political, judicial, oratorical speeches, in sermons, debates, at congresses, meetings.  It needs special training. On the other hand, the proper response of the audience inspires the speaker and stimulates him on a successful talk.

             Declamatory  Style.

It is also called as “artistic”, “ acquired” or “staged”. It is highly emotional and expressive, needs special training. The aim is to appeal to the mind, will and feelings of the listener. It is heard on the stage, on the screen, in a T.V. studio, it is reflected in verse speaking, prose readings and recitations. It displays a great variety of intonation.

               Conversational  Style.

   Its aim is to analyze variations that occur in spontaneous, everyday speech. It is the most commonly used type of intonation style. It is called familiar and is used in everyday communication, in natural conversation of relatives, friends, well-acquainted people. A wide range of intonation patterns is used here. The conversation lacks in planning, semantic blocks, the words are commonly repeated, the speech is characterized by “non-fluency”, “errors”, slips of the tongue or extra fluency with elision in many words.  One can hear whistles, laughs, giggles , see gesticulations and grimaces of talking people. A nose-to nose distance is the most comfortable for such talks, which are regarded as intimate.