| Description |
This essay focuses on the dyadic relationship between the participants in a specific folklore group. It centers on the interactional dynamics which characterized this intimate group of; older married couples. The data was collected through a series of several interviews and observations of the group during the folklore events: a monthly dinner party and an annual camping outing. The events were tape recorded and then transcribed. This approach of data collection stresses Dan Ben-Amos' notion of "face to face" interaction in the natural context of the event. Several patterns of communicative behavior emerge as the members jointly produce a group identity. The folklore events enable the members to express themselves and establish a support group that extends beyond the event. The study examines several generic aspects of folklore such as: (1) gossip as it emerges in the group's casual social interaction, (2) the collaboration of the personal narrative chain of association, (3) the emic content of a practical jokes and ( 4) gender differences in the presentation of verbal art. As these couples share in the folklore process they reveal themselves as they define their value systems and reinforce their group identity. This study highlights the methods used by the folk group in achieving these aims of group solidarity and individual validation. |
