What are the different text styles and how can they be identified?
What are styles of speech? They are varieties of speech used in different fields, each serving specific functions. Speech styles exist in both oral and written forms (texts).
The following functional styles are distinguished:
The purpose of the scientific style is to provide information about research, laws, and patterns. The main principles of scientific texts are logical coherence, evidential support, and precision. Characteristics of the scientific style include:
The website of the technical university LTU identifies clear structure, in-text citations, and bibliographies as key elements of scientific texts. This style is utilized in articles, reports, monographs, dissertations, and textbooks. For instance, in a physics textbook for 7th grade (author — R. Basharuly), the concept of "mechanical motion" is described as follows:
In the administrative-legal sphere, the official-business style operates within legislation and documentation. It is used in written form to present laws, orders, protocols, instructions, official correspondence, and other documents.
When preparing documentation, the following main principles are adhered to:
In the business style, slang is never used; words are carefully chosen, and preference is given to sentences without complex constructions. The exception is for clarifying phrases.
The official-business style is recognized by the following characteristics:
In the official-business style, laws are formatted as follows:
How can one identify text styles? To determine the sphere in which a style operates, several indicators can be examined:
The journalistic style is present in the political and social sphere. It aims to influence broad segments of society, appealing to people's reason and emotions. The goal of such influence is to shape specific views and attitudes toward events and social issues.
This style is found in the language of the media and in journalistic writing. Its distinguishing features are noted on the website of the University of Arizona Global Campus:
Texts of informational articles, reports, interviews, and essays are built on these principles. For example, a report on a drone show in Almaty:
The conversational style is present in direct communication between individuals when they share thoughts and exchange information in an informal setting. This style also extends to written forms of communication—personal correspondence, brief messages, interactions on social media, and online forums.
The conversational style is characterized by the following features:
Fantasy writer, bestselling author, and creative writing instructor Hannah Lee Kidder emphasizes that conversational expressions lend realism, authenticity, and persuasiveness to the text, and in fiction, they help reflect the era and setting.
The primary form of the conversational style is dialogue. In literature, its unparalleled master was Ernest Hemingway:
The artistic style encompasses the language of novels, stories, and all literary genres. It aims to influence the reader's imagination and emotions, and the author's position is prominently expressed.
The artistic style is characterized by easily comprehensible sentences, rich vocabulary, vivid imagery, and emotional depth, with extensive use of metaphors and similes:
Each text style fulfills its own functions across various spheres of communication. It is important to know them to use them appropriately according to life situations.