Retoryk

Retoryk is the study and practice of rhetoric—the art of persuasive communication. In linguistic and scholarly usage, the term appears in various languages as retoryk, retorik, or retorikk, with the same core meaning: the theory and craft of shaping arguments, influencing audiences, and presenting information effectively. The field covers theory, method, and practice, including audience analysis, argument construction, stylistic choice, and delivery techniques.

Rooted in ancient Greece and Rome, retoryk traces its lineage to rhetoricians such as Aristotle, Cicero, and Quintilian, who framed rhetoric as a disciplined craft for public speaking and persuasion. Through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, it integrated with philosophy and law. In modern times, rhetorical theory expanded to communication studies, media, and critical discourse analysis, addressing both persuasion and critique in political, civic, and cultural contexts. The digital age has birthed new forms of rhetoric across online forums, social media, and multimedia platforms.

Classical categories include deliberative, forensic, and epideictic rhetoric; core appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—remain influential. Retoryk also studies rhetorical devices, argumentation schemes, and stylistic choices, as well as rhetorical criticism and theory of discourse. Ethical considerations, propaganda, and misinformation are prominent topics in contemporary retoryk, reflecting tensions between persuasive effectiveness and social responsibility. Applications span education, law, journalism, politics, advertising, and diplomacy.