The chapter discusses the problem of speech genres, emphasizing their diversity and importance in various areas of human activity. It highlights that language is used in different forms and styles, reflecting the specific conditions and goals of each area of communication. The chapter distinguishes between primary (simple) and secondary (complex) speech genres, noting that secondary genres arise from more complex and organized cultural communication and are influenced by primary genres. It argues that the study of speech genres is crucial for understanding the nature of utterances and their role in language and communication. The chapter also explores the relationship between style and genre, suggesting that language styles are specific to certain genres and that the historical changes in language styles are linked to changes in speech genres. Additionally, it critiques the traditional linguistics approach that often overlooks the communicative function of language and the active role of the listener in speech communication. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the utterance as a unit of speech communication, distinct from language units like words and sentences.The chapter discusses the problem of speech genres, emphasizing their diversity and importance in various areas of human activity. It highlights that language is used in different forms and styles, reflecting the specific conditions and goals of each area of communication. The chapter distinguishes between primary (simple) and secondary (complex) speech genres, noting that secondary genres arise from more complex and organized cultural communication and are influenced by primary genres. It argues that the study of speech genres is crucial for understanding the nature of utterances and their role in language and communication. The chapter also explores the relationship between style and genre, suggesting that language styles are specific to certain genres and that the historical changes in language styles are linked to changes in speech genres. Additionally, it critiques the traditional linguistics approach that often overlooks the communicative function of language and the active role of the listener in speech communication. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the utterance as a unit of speech communication, distinct from language units like words and sentences.