korespondencija

Korespondencija is the exchange of written messages between individuals or institutions, traditionally conducted through letters sent via postal services and, more recently, through electronic channels such as email and messaging apps. It encompasses personal correspondence, business and official communication, diplomatic exchanges, and archival communications.

Historically, korespondencija developed with organized postal systems and rising literacy, making long-distance communication practical. The physical letter became a standard medium, often following formal formats with greetings, a body, closing, and signature, while privacy and provenance were important considerations. In the 20th century, electronic means such as telegrams, telex, fax, and later email broadened practice by increasing speed and reach.

Types and functions include personal correspondence, which preserves relationships and memory; business correspondence, which documents inquiries, decisions, and transactions; and official or diplomatic correspondence, which governs procedures and record-keeping for organizations and states. Korespondencija also serves as a source of evidence and historical insight in archives and libraries.

Archiving and research play a key role, as letters and memos function as primary sources in history, literature, and journalism. Modern repositories often digitize materials, assign metadata, and regulate access. Privacy and data protection laws govern what may be shared or published, particularly for contemporary correspondence.

Style and etiquette vary by culture and context, with formal and informal registers and standardized conventions for dating, salutations, and tone. In contemporary usage, korespondencija has expanded to electronic forms such as emails and instantaneous messaging, but its core purposes—communication, documentation, and record-keeping—remain essential across cultures.