Among the difficulties of the Russian language,cases of fluctuating nouns in the form of many. nominative case. These are such words as "drivers - chauffeurs", "directors - directors", "contracts - contracts", etc. Let us consider the specifics of the use of such forms.
Why there are words with several endings
In the modern reference book "Grammaticalthe correctness of Russian speech, "it is said that in our language there are at least 300 words in which variations of the plural nominative forms are observed.
Variants on -a / -я or -ы / -и are delimitedstylistically. Traditionally, it is believed that inflection is used in words that refer to the sphere of vernacular (dialectic) and professional speech. For example, confectioners and cooks often say "baker " instead of "bakers ", and metal processing specialists say "locksmith " instead of the literary version of "locksmiths ". If you are a taxi driver with experience or an experienced driver, and you have a question about how correctly: "drivers " or "chauffeur", then you have doubts as to whether your colleagues at work correctly say.
In modern Russian, there are at least 70 words that are used only with the endings -a / -y. Here are a few examples: avopoezda, evenings, doctors, passports, brakes, colds, anchors.
The forms on -y / -and are often literally normalized and therefore stylistically neutral. Now we'll figure out how right - "drivers " or "chauffeur ".
What "chauffeurs" differ from "chauffeurs"?
You can check the correctness of pronunciation using an explanatory or spelling dictionary. In modern Russian, both forms are correct. However, if you select "drivers " or "chauffeur " you need to be guided by the sphere of your speech.
In conversation, you can safely use both forms, but in a written speech you should use the option "drivers ", because it is he who is the most correct from the point of view of spelling.
What are the forms of the Russian language?
The Russian language, like any other developed language,stylistically diverse. When we talk about the literary norm, we mean first of all a written speech. Of course, that, say, a resume can not be written: "Please accept me as a cashierth ", but you need:"Please consider my candidacy for the position of cashier. "
In parallel with the literary norm, there is a colloquial norm. This is also a correct speech, but it is limited to the oral sphere. This does not mean what to say "chauffeur " it is impossible, but this form is stylistically labeled and used only as a professional or conversational one. In writing, it is advisable not to use this option.
But the forms of words that are referred to vocabulary in dictionaries are outside the boundaries of the literate Russian language. For example, for example, variants of "locksmith " and "turner " - so it's really better not to talk.
Other examples of words with variants of the endings -a / -y
Linguists found about 200 nouns,which in the form of pl. The nominative case has both variants. For the most part, these are the names of professions and persons according to the nature of their activities. Here are some examples of such pairs:
- "bosuns"(special, professional speech);
- "accountants "-" accountant " (dec.);
- "dispatchers "-" dispatcher"(razg.);
- "directors "-" directors " (deprecated);
- "deacons "-" deacon " (both options are equal);
- "engineers "-" engineer " (Ordinary);
- "instructors "-" instructor " (dec.);
- "pilot "-" pilot " (in the speech of sailors).
"SHOFER" or "SHOFER"?
Lexem "chauffeur" came to Russian from the French "chauffeur". The suffix -eur- is used to refer to professions: "professeur" - "teacher", "Conducteur" - "conductor".
Accent in the word "chauffeur" must fall on the last syllable.And the point here is not that in French stress always stands on the last syllable, because we do not say "konktorOr" or "professor". Most likely, the reason is that the word "chauffeur" preserved the sound-e-sound inherent in the variant-source, and in Russian the accent always falls on that syllable in which there is this sound.
So, the form of "chauffeur" is incorrect, although it occurs in the speech of professional drivers.
Synonyms for the word "chauffeur"
Of course, in Russian there are other words denoting the person driving the car. You can say either "driver" or "chauffeur" in any speech, because these two synonyms are absolutely equal.
The one who likes to drive very quickly, but not always safely, is called a "driver", and one for whom driving a car has become a favorite hobby can be called a "motorist".
A dishonest taxi driver is called a "driver" or a "driver", and the one who manages the bus is sometimes called the word "boss." These forms refer to slang.
There are other synonyms for the word "chauffeur", they all have their own connotation of meaning.
We sum up. In modern Russian, the choice of "chauffeurs " or "chauffeur"depends on whether, in oral or written languageyou use these words. In business correspondence and official documentation it is necessary to use the option with the ending -y. In professional activities (if you work as a driver), you can use both options in conversation with friends or colleagues.
