Quotation marks in "total dictation" and beyond it

In the article the questions of linguistic status of quotes and their usage in modern texts as the indexes of metalanguage reflection of speakers and writers are considered. The analysis of different cases of interpretation of the given graphic icon by native speakers is given. Special attention is given to the usage of «verbal quotes» (verbal marks of «quoting») in verbal public communication. The problem of reflection of usage of quotes-reflexives in codification recommendations is also involved.