Abstract
The paper explores the concept of literary style, examining its multifaceted and diverse character, which is characterised by the presence of multiple linguistic (and cultural) codes. The manner in which these codes are selected and utilised serves to construct the recipients as subjects who possess (or lack) specific knowledge, experiences, and attitudes. The issue is illustrated with three examples from contemporary Czech detective fiction, since this genre often stresses regional, historical or ethnic specifics. Jaroslav Velinský employs a substantial amount of non-standard Czech in his novels, incorporating colloquialisms and slang words to accentuate the local, social and temporal setting of the narration. Furthermore, the assumption is made that the recipient is familiar with the various cultural codes that exist. In the context of Petr Eidler’s novels, it is notable that the use of elements of the Czech Jewish ethnolect serves to recall the tradition and tragic past of the Jewish community. This contributes to the texts evoking a sense of otherness and exclusivity. (3) The detective stories penned by Jan Sagitarius are set in the environs of Těšín, Silesia. The use of the local dialect is nuanced, serving to demonstrate the distinctiveness of the region and to differentiate the characters’ positions. Eidler and Sagitarius construct the recipient as a subject to whom the codes used are not applicable.