Communicative Research: Models, Intercultural Communication, and American Interview Styles

Communicativistics is presented as a science that studies the system of means and communicative functions of mass media. Despite its relatively recent emergence, it is characterized by a lack of a single stable name, being referred to by various terms such as 'science of communication in different social spheres,' 'theoretical research direction for mass media and mass culture,' or 'communicology.' The article traces the historical roots of information transmission systems back to early civilization, emphasizing that the core function of conveying information and shaping perceptions has remained constant. Communicativistics is described as an integrative field of knowledge, drawing theoretical foundations from a wide array of disciplines including stylistics, rhetoric, genre studies, cultural studies, advertising, journalism, psychology, political science, sociology, ethnology, anthropology, informatics, and media culture. Its current popularity and demand stem from its universal instrumental capabilities.

The article outlines a descriptive 'passport' for analyzing communication models. This framework includes several key characteristics: 1. A complex of contextual features that consider socio-social, socio-cultural, ethno-cultural, and specific (informational, material) conditions of information dissemination and interaction. 2. Characteristics of 'textual unit types' reflecting current genre models in communication practice. 3. Methods of communicative interaction within each model, analyzing intentions, information coding methods, and discourse practices. 4. Methods of individual-personal interaction during information transfer, including the 'image' of the utterance, presenter's policy, socio-cultural and behavioral characteristics of communicators, and the communicative/linguistic 'passports' of sender and receiver. 5. The study and description of the 'life cycle' of a communicative model, encompassing its socio-cultural and genre-historical evolution, akin to the lifecycle of a product in the information consumption market.

The analysis shifts to 'Epistolary and Diaries' as another popular communicative product. Contextual features include a persistent interest in the individual's personal life, a need for auto-communication (talking to oneself), and a desire to share personal experiences or offer advice, which fuels diary writing and online correspondence. Communicative products encompass traditional personal records, paper letters, and online diaries, blogs, and forums, often maintaining a chronological 'daily entry' format and having an intended recipient. Methods of interaction are divided into 'writing for others' (informing based on life facts) and 'writing for oneself' (self-presentation, self-admiration, or emotional catharsis). Individual-personal interaction in virtual networks adheres to internet communication norms (nicknames, etiquette, grammar). The 'life cycle' of this model is marked by a strong tradition, evolving from formalized paper correspondence to online interactions. The recent surge in electronic epistolary, driven by interest in others and the unique capabilities of the internet, is noted. A fascinating trend is the 'second life' of online communications as published books, indicating the enduring vitality of these forms.

The research indicates that national features of the interview genre mirror broader communicative culture characteristics. Key factors differentiating American television interviews include poly-thematicity, duration, structure, the volume of personal information discussed, the level of conflict-laden information, national orientation, directness of information interpretation, participant dominance, and role-switching conditions. In American culture, interviewees are typically invited due to their fame and competence. American interviews are generally short and often monothematic, with business interviews carrying the most factual information and political interviews presenting opinions widely. The 'interview-portrait' is a characteristic creative form. The primary goals are commentary and information, with opinion and explanation being prevalent monologic actions. Panegyric and promotional elements are also noted as interview objectives.

The overarching goal of analyzing these communicative practice models is to create a catalog and conduct a 'working inventory' of contemporary communication models. This will facilitate the identification of patterns in model functioning and code selection, understanding the demand and frequency of specific codes, and determining which models and instrumental codes are most and least studied. This systematic approach aims to deepen our understanding of the complex landscape of modern communication.