ORTHOEPIC LITERACY AS A COMPONENT OF THE SPEECH CULTURE OF FUTURE JOURNALISTS

Abstract

The article substantiates the significance of orthoepic literacy as an essential component of the speech culture of future journalists and determines its impact on the effectiveness of professional communication. It identifies typical violations of orthoepic norms in the contemporary media space and clarifies ways of improving orthoepic literacy in the course of professional training at higher education institutions. It emphasizes that a thorough command of orthoepic norms contributes to the effective professional activity of media specialists, particularly radio and television journalists. Correct pronunciation ensures expressiveness, persuasiveness, and professional credibility, and testifies to a high professional and cultural level of journalistic speech. The study highlights common orthoepic violations in the media environment, including incorrect stress placement in terms, loanwords, proper names, and commonly used vocabulary; improper articulation of vowel and consonant sounds; and violations of consonant assimilation norms. The article outlines practical ways to enhance orthoepic literacy in the training of future journalists, such as conducting articulation training sessions, performing articulation exercises, practising orthoepic norms through the use of media materials (reports, news stories, interviews), working with orthoepic dictionaries to master the norms of Ukrainian literary pronunciation, recording self-produced video materials, organizing master classes on orthoepic proficiency, providing individual consultations, and involving professional announcers and television presenters. The article concludes that, in combination with theoretical instruction, training technologies, and individual speech practice, higher education students will develop orthoepic literacy as the foundation of journalists’ professional competence.