TRANSFORMATION OF GENRE STRATEGIES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF COLLECTIVE IDENTITY IN THE ADDRESSES OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION V.V. PUTIN TO THE FEDERAL ASSEMBLY (2018–2024)

Abstract

The article presents a critical genre analysis of the strategies used to construct collective identity, based on the annual Addresses of the President of the Russian Federation to the Federal Assembly (2018–2024). The study draws on Vijay K. Bhatia’s four-level model of professional discourse and the systemic-functional theory of speech genres proposed by J.R. Martin and C. Miller. The article identifies the stable generic components of the Addresses (introduction – retrospective-evaluative section – analysis of current challenges – programmatic and goal-oriented section – concluding appeal for unity) and examines their evolution in response to changing social and external circumstances. Particular attention is paid to genre hybridization (the combination of the address genre with elements of ceremonial discourse, directive discourse, and family narrative), the tactical reinterpretation of historical memory, and discursive strategies for consolidating generic resources and institutional practices. It is established that in 2018–2020 the Addresses were dominated by genre hybridization with models of socio-economic development and project discourse, whereas in 2021–2024 there is a noticeable shift in dominance toward the protection of national interests and cultural heritage, accompanied by the active inclusion of elements of ceremonial speech and historical narrative. The study shows that these genre transformations contribute to strengthening social unity, supporting institutional practices, and forming a stable collective identity.