FORM FUNCTIONS OF SS
to communicate
scientifically
determined knowledge
effectively, clearly in
words of certain
meaning
mainly written, monological utterance,
textbooks, scientific studies, research,
case studies
lack of extralinguistic context
(intonation, gestures, etc.), formal
unity and wholeness of the utterance,
less complex syntax (lack of
expressive constructions…),
condensed utterance
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES
1. lack of extralinguistic context (intonation, gestures, etc.),
formal unity and wholeness of the utterance, less complex
syntax (lack of expressive constructions…), condensed
utterance
2. usage of passive construction approx. 20% (in comp. to 3% in
spoken utterance), objective views, focus on particular data and
phenomena e.g. passive constructions frequently used with
suppose, assume, presume, conclude, infer, point out,
emphasize, inferred, impersonal point of view
3. usage of modal verbs – statements are presented carefully,
sometimes lose their modal character, should preferred to
must, modals used primarily in hypotheses and drawing
conclusions
4. characteristic constructions - impersonal meaning –
It+cop+adj+to+inf/adj+that e.g., causative constructions –
make+noun+adj, enable, allow, permit, cause
5. usage of participles, gerunds and infinitives, e.g. friction
losses, steam consumption, steam corrosion inhibition – hard to
translate
6. usage of terms – elimination of emotionality and
expressiveness, terms specific to each branch of science, some
terms can circulate among the branches of science and gain
new meanings, new terms become established quite fast –
coining, terms should be followed or preceded by explanation,
usage of latin terms, abbreviations, usage of quotations and
references - definite compositional pattern (MLA)
7. defining - simple, active, affirmative, declarative sentences,
relative clauses, definitions are a kind of clincher sentences
8. logical sequence of utterance – clear indication of
interrelations and interdependence, e.g. thus, however,
therefore, moreover, then, in fact, in general, don't omit that,
which, don't use ellipses, progress from the theme to the rheme,
most sentences don't start with the subject, avoid ambiguity,
precisely formulated statements