EPISTOLARY DISCOURSE AS THE REFLECTION OF NATIONAL WORLDVIEW OF THE JAPANESE

Abstract

The article is focused on Japanese etiquette norms in writing a letter. Being means of ceremonial and etiquette interpersonal communication, letters play a substantial role in the process of establishing and maintaining relationships both within the Japanese society and with representatives of other cultures. The letter etiquette implies observance of national epistolary traditions. In Japan – a country with a highly contextual culture – special attention is paid to non-verbal means of communications. This imposes certain restrictions on the style of letter writing, determines not only their content, but also their configuration. The article is analyzing nationally specific rules of composing written messages with an emphasis on non-verbal signals, expressing respect towards addressee. There are also considered restriction in the use of a certain lexicon and hieroglyphic idiom.

There are given reasons for the necessity of observing traditions of epistolary style. Violation of the established rules may result in miscommunication and, thereby, lead to creation of uncomfortable environment for communication. Linguo-cultural analysis of the epistolary style helps to identify specific features of the Japanese worldview, their specificity of communicative behavior and also helps to trace its reflection in interpersonal and social interaction.