Features of nonverbal means of communication as a way of expressing emotional states in the texts of A.P. Chekhov's early stories

this article explores the analysis of nonverbal means of communication in the early works of A.P. Chekhov. The focus is on the functional role of nonverbal elements in conveying the emotional states of characters. The objective of the study is to analyze texts in which nonverbal means serve as key markers of emotional experiences, highlighting the inner conflicts and psychological conditions of the characters. To achieve this goal, the following tasks are undertaken: 1) to analyze the use of nonverbal means of communication in A.P. Chekhov’s early stories to identify their role in conveying the emotional states of characters; 2) to investigate how gestures, facial expressions, body movements, and eye contact, as well as characters’ interactions with surrounding objects, correlate with their inner experiences and emotions in the context of the stories' plots; 3) to examine how the context and environment of the characters influence the use of nonverbal means of communication. The study identifies the distinctive features of nonverbal means, their functional significance, and their impact on the reader’s perception of the text. The conducted analysis demonstrates that nonverbal means of communication in A.P. Chekhov’s works not only complement verbal elements but also serve as an independent tool for expressing emotions, significantly enhancing the artistic expressiveness and psychological depth of the narratives.

nonverbal communication, kinesics, facial expressions, gestures, dialogue, story plot, emotional state