Comparison of Approaches to the Systematization and Presentation of Punctuation Rules in Compound Sentences in Two Sources (“Rules of Russian Orthography and Punctuation” 1956 and “Rules of Russian Orthography and Punctuation: Complete Academic Handbook”)

The subject of this study is the punctuation rules for compound sentences as presented in two sources: the 1956 “Rules of Russian Orthography and Punctuation” and the “Complete Academic Handbook” edited by V. V. Lopatin. The objective is to examine the different approaches to presenting punctuation rules for compound sentences in these two sources, as well as their impact on user comprehension and practical application. The author carefully explores aspects such as the grouping of all punctuation rules, the terminology used in formulating rules, the structure and presentation of rules for compound sentences, (non)correspondence between examples and rules, consistency within each source, and completeness in accounting for exceptions and complex cases. Special attention is given to the differences in how each source represents rules for complex cases, the explanatory methods for examples, and their influence on the precision of rule application for users. The methodology of this study includes a comparative analysis of the punctuation rules for compound sentences found in these two sources, focusing on rule structure and formulation, terminology, and example correspondence. The scientific novelty lies in the comparative analysis of the formulations and systematization of punctuation rules for compound sentences across two key reference sources, the 1956 Rules and the Complete Academic Handbook (PAS), each representing different stages in the development of Russian written language norms. This study reveals shifts in rule presentation and codification principles and identifies the challenges users face when interpreting norms from each source. The study’s findings indicate that PAS offers a more flexible, detailed system with scientific commentary, simplifying understanding and application of rules in modern contexts.

punctuation rules, punctuation marks, compound sentences, rule formulation, terminology, grouping, comma, semicolon, dash, conjunctions