Topicality of Nušić’s Rhetoric Cover Image

Aktuelnost Nušićeve retorike
Topicality of Nušić’s Rhetoric

Author(s): Jovica Trkulja
Subject(s): Epistemology, Contemporary Philosophy, Rhetoric
Published by: Centar za unapređivanje pravnih studija
Keywords: Nušić’s Retorika (Rhetoric); rhetoric; oration; rhetorician; auditorium; classical rhetoric; new rhetoric;

Summary/Abstract: Branislav Nušić belongs a small group of intellectuals in Serbia who were committed in their work on oratory and rhetoric. The result of that work is his book Retorika (Rhetoric) published in 1933. The author analyses in this paper 1) the place of Nušić’s Rhetoric in Serbian scholarship on oratory; 2) Effectiveness of Nušić’s combination of classical rhetoric and experiences of new applied rhetoric; 3) Topicality and relevance on Nušić’s rhetoric. Analysing virtue and disadvantages of Nušić’s book, the is the first modern textbook of rhetoric in Serbian language, that it has obtained numerous supporters in public opinion, and that it has remained the best-read handbook of applied rhetoric. With the book Nušić has left a lasting mark which is deep and relevant at the same time. He believes that his contribution to rhetoric is equal to his contribution to Serbian literature and theatre. In spite of some of its shortcomings and limits it has made an educative mission in Serbia. At the end the author points out that Nušić has very much contributed that rhetoric, as a skill of public appearance and ability of persuasion, becomes a foundation of ever increasing contemporary skills aiming at transmitting certain messages (adds), at making bridges of co-operation between different cultures, and at cultivating language and style of everyday life and public appearance (speech culture).

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 3-4
  • Page Range: 31-56
  • Page Count: 26
  • Language: Serbian