Culture of Speech and Its Communicative Qualities

Abstract

In any society, language plays a fundamental role in shaping interpersonal relationships and cultural development. The culture of speech, as a linguistic and social phenomenon, is central to ensuring effective communication, promoting ethical behavior, and fostering national identity. Speech culture comprises a set of communicative qualities including clarity, expressiveness, normativity, and linguistic etiquette. It integrates oral and written norms and is deeply connected to literary language, making it an important component of both education and civic life. Despite its recognized significance, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the differentiation between speech culture and oratory, as well as the broader implications of communicative competence in various social and virtual contexts. This article aims to analyze the concept of speech culture, its communicative attributes, and its social role, while distinguishing it from oratory and exploring its influence in educational, ethical, and digital communication spheres. The analysis confirms that speech culture is a multifaceted construct encompassing literacy, etiquette, communicative ethics, and stylistic adaptability. It enhances mutual understanding, reduces communicative conflict, and supports socio-cultural development. The study offers an integrative view of speech culture as both a linguistic and ethical tool for effective communication, proposing a refined classification of functional styles and emphasizing its relevance in digital interaction and youth upbringing. Enhancing speech culture contributes to national linguistic integrity, personal dignity, and social harmony. As such, it should be a core element in educational curricula and public discourse initiatives.