Środki morfologiczne w poradnikach Natalii Iwanowny Stiepanowej (pierwsza osoba liczby mnogiej)
Morphological Means in Natalia Ivanovna Stepanova’s Magical Handbooks (the Plural Forms of the First Person)

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the article is to present the plural forms of the first person found in Natalia Ivanovna Stepanova’s magical handbooks. The author (also known as the Siberian Healer) uses them for persuasive purposes: she tries to convince readers to use the magical practices (spells) she recommends. In the analysed material, mainly statements containing “inclusive we” are noted. Stepanova uses them to evoke a sense of community of experiences and values in her readers, as well as to invite them to joint actions and “include” them in the healers group that she represents. There are also forms of “exclusive we” in the handbooks under study. These forms play an important role in building Stepanova’s authenticity as a healer from Siberia: they help the author emphasise her close connection with her ancestors, who were famous for their healing practices and passed on their magical knowledge to her. The article also reflects on the specific communicative situation taking place in the interaction between the counsellor and the advice seeker, and highlights the problem of defining persuasion and manipulation.

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