Pragmatization of stylistics

Abstract

Abstract The pragmalinguistic approach to the relationship between language and human is also reflected in the stylistic research. In this paper, we aim to clarify the sense of pragmatization in stylistics and outline the new stimuli for such a perspective. This goal assumes a brief analysis of implementations of pragmatic ideas in distinct Slovak stylistic paradigms and a presentation of a perspective for further reflections. We understand pragmatization in stylistics as a change of the interpretative model of language; a shift away from perception of language in the frame of an instrumental paradigm towards the perception of linguistic activity as social action. When clarifying the specificity of the language activity, which we call social action, we will apply H. Arendt’s ideas in her theory of action, specifically on the distinction between the terms labor, work and action. In line with the pragmalinguistic focus on a cognition of the human from the language perspective, and referring to the Arendt’s concept of the self-manifestation in speech, we find an anthropic approach to the language style and the authenticity as its most significant characteristics (especially in regard to public sphere) as viable for current stylistics.