Bracia i Siostry - rytuały językowe na przykładzie mszy świętej

Abstract

Religious texts are one of the most androgenic pieces of texts. It results from the generic character of masculine words applied in the texts. The prevailing male element stemming from a centuries-old tradition is not subject to processes aimed at preventing language asymmetries. It also results from the ritual character ofthese pieces. The above article is aimed at characterizing language rituals taking place during the Roman-Catholic Holy Mass. Language rituals are understood as fossilized linguistic units used in the context of institutionalized, formalized and reproducible set of rituals which is usually socially significant and refers to the shared idée fix. The analysis ofselected passages has proven that the forms and ritual texts are ineffective in cognitive terms. Referring to commonly accepted values and beliefs the rituals reinforce the social structure patterns as well as community institutions. They contribute to the development and strengthening ofgroup identification and fulfill a desire to create group bonds.