リム・トークの語彙としての「場」

参与態度様態とフレーム認識

抄録

　The purpose of this paper is to consider the mechanism of interaction by examining the meaning of the Japanese idiomatic expression "ba" and the function of its use in conversation.
　"Ba" is a Japanese conventional expression that indicates a terrain where certain social events take place, as well as the definition of the situation in the terrain. The terrain associated with "ba" is distinctly recognized only by the use of the word "ba." In that sense, the idiomatic expression of "ba" can be regarded as the vocabulary of "rim talk" (Gamson et al 1982).
　This paper attempts to elucidate the function of the idiomatic expression "ba" in interaction. In order to accomplish this purpose, this paper borrows an analytical framework from Goffman's interaction theory, especially his discussion on the relation between "frame" and "involvement" (Goffman 1961a, 1963a, [1974] 1986). Examination of Goffman's theory makes it clear that people's consciousness about the present frame is a function of their degree of involvement in the events and activities taking place in the situation. Then, "ba" as "rim talk" is an "apparatus" that enables people in interaction to detach from the frame and to refer to the frame itself. Furthermore, this "apparatus" maintains and controls the fragile process of interaction. In other words, this "apparatus" contributes to realizing a smooth flow of interaction.
　Based on the discussion above, I suggest that people use the word "ba" as a tool to confirm what the proper frame of the situation is. Finally, I conclude this paper with a discussion concerning the difference between "ba" as a layman's tool for confirmation of the frame and Goffman's concept of frame as an analytical apparatus.