USE OF ARGOT IN FRENCH SPOKEN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Abstract

Examined is the use of argot in French spoken language and literature. The author studies the problem of defining the term “argot” and states that the existing terminology is too diverse and the terms either duplicate each other without any special need or describe this phenomenon not very accurately. The definition of argot suggested by E.M. Beregovskaya which conforms to the French linguistic system is taken as the most precise. The nature of argot is also considered from the point of view of linguistics, stylistics. Its specific characteristics, functions and reasons of the use in French spoken language and literature are scrutinized. It is concluded that the use of argot in the speech of characters corresponds to the functions of argot in spoken language and is used by authors to create different stylistic effects, make their characters more truthful, describe “local colour” etc.