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LECTURE 6
STYLISTIC DIFFERENCES OF THE ENGLISH AND
UKRANIAN VOCABULARY

1. Informal vocabulary
2. Formal vocabulary
3. Basic vocabulary

Key terms: functional style, informal vocabulary,
colloquialism, slang, jargon, cant, official vocabulary, officialese
literary word, mode of poetic diction, archaic and obsolete word,
neologisms, basic vocabulary.

The social context in which the communication is taking
place determines the modes of speech. When placed in different
situations people instinctively choose different words. The
suitability of a word depends on its stylistic characteristics, on the
functional style. The term “functional style” is generally accepted
in modern linguistics. Professor I. V. Arnold defines it as “a
system of expressive means peculiar to a specific sphere of
communication”. By the sphere of communication we mean the
circumstances attending the process of speech in each particular
case: professional communication, a lecture, an informational talk,
a formal letter, a speech in court, etc. Accordingly, functional
styles are classified into two groups, with furthers depending on
different situations.
Informal vocabulary is used in one’s immediate circle:
family, relatives or friends. One uses informal words when at
home or when feeling at home. Informal style is relaxed, free-and-
easy, familiar and unpretentious. It should be pointed out that the
informal talk of well-educated people considerably differs from
that of the illiterate or the semi-educated; the choice of words with
adults is different from the vocabulary of teenagers; people living
in the provinces use certain regional words and expressions.

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