Formalistic theory of stylistics, often associated with Russian formalism and structuralism, is a

literary approach that emphasizes the form, structure, and linguistic features of a text. This theory
focuses on the ways in which language and literary techniques create meaning within a text, rather
than on the content, authorial intent, or socio-historical context.
Definition and Background
Formalistic theory of stylistics is concerned with analyzing how a text achieves its effects through its
language and form. It was developed in the early 20th century, particularly in Russia and later in other
parts of Europe, as part of a movement toward a scientific study of literature.
Historical Perspective and Foundation
 Russian Formalism: Russian formalism emerged in the early 20th century, particularly
through the works of Viktor Shklovsky, Roman Jakobson, and others. It focused on the
formal aspects of literature, such as structure, sound, and style, rather than content or
historical context.
 Structuralism: In the mid-20th century, structuralism emerged as an extension of formalism.
Structuralist critics like Jakobson and Claude Lévi-Strauss sought to identify the underlying
structures that govern language and culture.
Basic Assumptions
 Form over content: Formalistic theory prioritizes form and structure in literature over
content. It examines how the arrangement and use of language produce meaning.
 Language as a system: Language is seen as a system of signs and rules that can be analyzed
independently of context.
 Literary devices: Stylistics examines how literary devices such as metaphor, alliteration,
rhyme, and rhythm contribute to a text's effect.
Concept of Poetic or Practical Language
 Poetic language: Refers to language that is distinctive and marked by deviation from
ordinary usage. It includes the use of literary devices, figurative language, and unusual
syntax.
 Practical language: Refers to everyday, functional language used for communication. It is
more direct and less complex than poetic language.
Characteristics
 Attention to linguistic features: Formalistic stylistics closely examines phonetics, syntax,
semantics, and other linguistic features.
 Analysis of literary techniques: It evaluates how techniques like repetition, parallelism, and
contrast shape the text.
 Focus on foregrounding: This refers to making certain elements stand out through stylistic
choices, often creating unexpected or striking effects.
Main Figures
 Roman Jakobson: Known for his work on language functions and the relationship between
form and meaning.
  Viktor Shklovsky: Introduced the concept of defamiliarization, which involves making the
familiar strange to enhance artistic perception.

Roman Jakobson, a prominent structural linguist, proposed a model of six functions of language.
This model describes how language can be used for different purposes in communication. Here's a
breakdown of Jakobson's language functions and how they relate to functional stylistics:
The Six Functions
1. Referential Function: Refers to the context and content of the message. This is the most
basic function, focusing on transmitting information (e.g., "The Earth is round").
2. Poetic Function: Focuses on the aesthetic qualities of language itself. It emphasizes the form
and sound of language to create artistic effects (e.g., poems, song lyrics).
3. Emotive Function: Expresses the speaker's emotions or attitudes (e.g., "Ugh!").
4. Conative Function: Tries to get the addressee to do something (e.g., "Come here!").
5. Phatic Function: Establishes and maintains social contact, often through greetings or small
talk (e.g., "Hello?").
6. Metalingual Function: Refers to the code itself and how it is used (e.g., "What do you mean
by 'krill'?").
Connection to Functional Stylistics
While functional stylistics focuses on the communicative function of language in different contexts,
Jakobson's model offers a broader perspective on the various purposes language can serve. Here's how
they connect:
 Functional overlap: Some of Jakobson's functions align with the goals of functional
stylistics. For example, the referential function aligns with conveying information in a
specific context, and the conative function relates to trying to influence the addressee, which
is common in persuasive texts.
 Contextual influence: Jakobson's model doesn't emphasize context as much as functional
stylistics. However, the context can influence which function is dominant. For instance, a
sentence like "The rain is pouring" can be referential (stating a fact) or emotive (expressing
annoyance), depending on the situation.
 Focus on form vs. function: Jakobson's poetic function highlights the use of language for its
aesthetic value, which somewhat overlaps with the focus on form in formalistic stylistics.
However, functional stylistics emphasizes how form choices contribute to the overall
communicative function in a particular context.
In conclusion, Roman Jakobson's language functions provide a valuable framework for understanding
the different purposes language can serve. While functional stylistics takes a more context-specific
approach to analyzing language use, Jakobson's model offers broader insights into the versatility of
language as a communication tool.

There is a limited connection between Roman Jakobson's language functions and the
formalistic theory of stylistics. Here's why:
Formalistic Focus:
 Formalistic stylistics primarily focuses on the form of language – how language is used to
create aesthetic effects and foreground meaning.
 It emphasizes analyzing literary devices like metaphor, simile, symbolism, and irony to
understand how they deviate from everyday language.
Jakobson's Model:
 Jakobson's model explores the functions of language, including the poetic function but also
others like the referential, emotive, and conative functions.
 While the poetic function aligns with the formalist's interest in aesthetic language, the other
functions deal with different communicative purposes.
Points of Overlap:
 Both approaches acknowledge the potential for language to be used in creative ways to
achieve specific effects.
 Analyzing the form of language (poetic function) can reveal the intended meaning or effect,
which is a key concern for formalists.
Key Differences:
 Scope: Formalistic stylistics is primarily concerned with literary language, while Jakobson's
model applies to all forms of language use.
 Focus: Formalism emphasizes the aesthetic qualities created by form, while Jakobson's
model focuses on the communicative purpose behind any language use.
In Conclusion:
Jakobson's Language Functions offer a broader perspective on how language functions in
communication, with the poetic function potentially overlapping with the formalist interest in
aesthetics. However, the formalistic theory is much more specific in its focus on analyzing literary
devices and the manipulation of form for artistic purposes.
Advantages and Disadvantages
 Advantages: Formalistic theory provides a rigorous method for analyzing texts. It offers
insights into the artistry of language and helps identify how literary devices create meaning.
 Disadvantages: Critics argue that formalistic theory can overlook the broader context of a
work, such as its cultural, social, and historical significance.
Defamiliarization
Defamiliarization is a concept introduced by Viktor Shklovsky. It involves presenting common things
in an unfamiliar or strange way to make the audience see them anew. This technique disrupts habitual
perception and allows for a fresh appreciation of the subject.
Goals of Defamiliarization
 To make the ordinary extraordinary: By defamiliarizing the familiar, artists and writers
can transform the everyday into something remarkable.
  To renew perception: Defamiliarization encourages the audience to re-examine their
perceptions and assumptions.
 To enhance artistic experience: By presenting familiar things in an unconventional way,
artists can evoke emotions and provoke thought.
Overall, formalistic theory of stylistics is a valuable approach for understanding the artistic and
linguistic aspects of literature, providing a systematic way to analyze and appreciate literary texts.