Strategy and Tactics of Communication in Fairy Tale Discourse

Abstract

The anthropocentric direction of modern linguistic research is of particular interest when studying animal tales. It highlights the importance of considering specific categories of verbal signs that shape ethnocultural marking and the worldview characteristics of an ethnic group. This study aimed to analyze animal tales using animalistic vocabulary while taking into account various speech tactic indicators. This process employs various manipulative mechanisms of communicative strategies. Axiomatic, content analysis, and hypothetic-deductive methods were used to achieve the research objectives. Various stories and fairy tales with animalistic linguistic units were studied. It was established that most speech processes in fairy tales are reflected in the dialogues. Findings reveal that the main conflict of fairy tale discourse is the confrontation between heroes. It is filled with elements of dualism "good-evil," which is most vividly manifested in the interactions of characters such as the fox and the wolf. It was established that the tactics of deception, intimidation, and coercion prevail in the speech behavior of the characters in folk animal tales, while simultaneously highlighting the character traits of each participant in the conversation. They influence the emotional state of the interlocutor through compliments and appropriate forms of address, achieving their initial goal of communication. The study implies that fairy tale discourse transmits the cultural and value orientations of people through the use of various strategies and tactics, paying special attention to the conflicts and problems that accompany society. The practical significance lies in the use of the results by specialists in linguistics, language studies, and philology.