MODUS FUNCTIONING OF THE PUNCTUATION GRAPHEMES
The semantic functions of the punctuation graphemes, which are positioned as linguistic signs possessing dictum and modus meanings are described. Notions of complete/incomplete, dependent/independent utterances are distinguished as dictum dependent on denotation. Such obligatory modus meanings as enumeration, explanation, cause, consequence etc. belong to the mode meanings when the attitude of the speaker to the utterance is demonstrated. Optional modus meanings make up the notion «degree of importance».