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THE NOTION OF FUNCTIONAL SYNERGISM IN LINGUISTICS
Abstract
The article highlights the notion of synergism as applied to speech/discourse in terms of functional linguistics. The term synergism denotes the ability of self-organising open systems (language and speech included) to combine elements in such a way that their overall effect exceeds pure linear addition of components. This non-linearity is inherent in speech, as the general sense of a text does not usually equal to a mechanically obtained sum of its units semantics. From the angle of functional linguistics, synergism is attributed to the discourse functional plane, i.e. to its system of pragmasemantic properties. Functional synergism results from sense accretion. The author defines discourse as a self-organising system of senses formed in a text by an aggregate of all verbal means, which synergistically mobilizes their functional potential in order to actualise the speakers communicative purport. Using methods of pragmasemantic analysis the author focuses on the interaction of discourse components in their common strife for the so-called functional attractor, i.e. the point of communicative purport actualisation. Discourse specificity lies in a simultaneous development of both systemic and dynamic functional properties, and their pragmatic synergy, when built up with good knowledge and with good intention, may prove to be a most efficient way to harmonizing human interaction.
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