Verbal charm as a special class of performative speech acts in Russian linguoculture
- DOI
- 10.5922/vestnikpsy-2026-1-3
- Pages
- 29-40
Abstract
The phenomenon of verbal charms in Russian linguoculture is examined through the lens of speech act theory, one of the key directions of contemporary pragmalinguistics. The relevance of the study is determined by the need for an in-depth investigation of culturally conditioned speech genres functioning within sacred discourse, as well as their role in shaping the linguistic worldview. The aim of the research is to identify the pragmatic characteristics of verbal charms as a distinct class of performative utterances in the context of speech act theory and to determine their place within the system of speech genres in Russian linguoculture. The methodological framework of the study is based on an integrative approach combining speech act theory, linguocultural analysis, structural-semantic and pragmatic interpretation of texts, as well as elements of typological and contextual analysis. The contextual approach allows for consideration of extralinguistic parameters influencing the interpretation and functioning of sacred texts. The analysis revealed key pragmatic characteristics of verbal charms: ontological duality (simultaneous presence in both profane and sacred dimensions), ritual conditioning, imperative form, presence of an indirect addressee, syncretism of illocutionary forces, and a unique form of performativity oriented toward sacred influence. A typology of charms based on dominant illocutionary force is proposed, including directive-, declarative-, commissive-, expressive-, and assertive-dominant types. The results demonstrate that verbal charms are complex linguocultural mechanisms that provide not only protection but also psychological stability in traditional society. The developed approach can be productively applied to further study the functional mechanisms of sacred texts and verbal protective strategies in different cultures, as well as to analyze other linguistic phenomena representing sacred experience in folklore.