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The article addresses the problem of the rhythmic arrangement of academic discourse and its main units. It is the result of computer-based acoustic investigation of English rhythm (in comparison with Armenian). The contrastive analysis of the rhythmic units helps to reveal the regularities that pass unnoticed in monolingual studies. Basing on the scalar approach to the rhythm, the study defines rhythm as an output of all the gradients participating in its formation with the special accent on grouping and prominence. It is an attempt in modelling the rhythmic organisation of academic prose in English (Armenian) by giving its acoustic profile.

The present article is aimed at presenting an analysis of the pragmatic functions of small talk in the light of general principles of linguistics in order to explore phatic communication (a verbal communication between a speaker and a hearer to maintain social relationship) between the interlocutors in English and Armenian languages. The investigation of the cases under study shows that the functions and ways of expressing small talk have not only gender differences, but also cultural peculiarities. Phatic utterances may also serve as markers of interlocutors’ gender, education, age and social status. In general, the use and avoidance of phatic cues in conversations affect the contact and relations between the interlocutors.