The systemic nature of semiosphere organization correlates with the systemic nature of argumentation as human speech and thought activity. Argumentation is a part of semiotic continuum of human speech and thinking, forming complex subsystems of semiosphere. The paper aims at constructing the semiosphere of argumentation by identifying different approaches to its study. The authors conclude that argumentation as a logical-communicative process can be reviewed most clearly when analyzed in terms of S. Toulmin’s classification from logical, dialectical, rhetorical research perspectives. The functions of persuasion and the significance of the addressee are in this case prioritized. The pragma-dialectical approach used by the authors and its integrated nature of studying of argumentation as a speechthought activity, made it possible to transfer from logics and dialectics to cognitive-oriented research. Axioms (12), underlying approaches to the study of argumentation, were analyzed and classified according to the principles of action, practice, and activity, as applied to language, which has a speech-thought-activity character. Argumentation as a component of human thinking semiosphere is the most complex phenomenon given its multidimensional and multisystemic nature.
The format of business writing has significantly changed for the reason that each genre of written business discourse has its own strictly codified form. Expansion of communication fields including business communication domain affects the form of business discourse realization. In this regard, to justify the hypothesis of changing previously established speech forms functioning as a business letter genre, the present paper focuses on identification and systemizing characteristics of written documents, such as structural, lexical and stylistic markers of national and cultural specificity of English written communication. In accordance with the principles of speech activity theory and communication theory the article presents the stages of development of business contact and analyzes the structure of business writing. In the article, the structure of the business letter is presented in compliance with the intent of the addressee. The authors propose several types of exercises aimed to enhance understanding of correlation between the addressor's intention and lexical means, as well as rubrication principles. A list of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of written communications is also demonstrated. Theoretical interpretation of written modus of business communication based on speech activity theory and communication theory is instrumental for the analysis of constituents of written business communication act through the prism of the addressor's communicative intentions. The approach proposed may be used in teaching practical course of the English language with the view to form universal competences of future linguists, as well as in the study of business written communication for further theoretical interpretation.
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