My Understanding of Performance as a Phenomenon

Based upon the ideas and examples presented in chapter five of Living Folklore, my understandings of performance have deepened in that my concept of what can be considered a performance has been altered. This revision is based upon the fact that I had previously considered a true performance to be something that exists in a clearly defined space or context where the audience had prior knowledge that a performance was to occur. By contrast, Sims and Stephens argue that the occurrence of a performance of some sort does not have to be explicitly stated, rather recognizable structures of speech can indicate to those listening that a verbal performance of some sort is about to occur (p. 128-132).For example, the stating of proverbs, jokes, and other such performances can be denoted by the context in which they are presented within a conversation. This means that certain signals are given within the conversation which separate the proceeding segment of the conversation from that which was merely normal discourse through indications that the type of performance is to ensue. In addition to this, based on the context, both the one who acts out a verbal performance as well as the audience understands the role that each of them plays within the context. This means that all will understand the implicit meanings associated with the verbal content of the performance. For example, the person being told a joke or proverb would understand of the meanings of the proverb or some sort of esoteric knowledge relating to the joke which results in the punch line being interpreted as humorous. This implies a sort of understanding of the roles that the performer and audience have within the context of verbal performance as well as mutual knowledge and understandings of what is being relayed within this form of discourse. In essence, cultural understandings of the indication of a joke being performed within a given context in addition to knowledge relating to the subject being discussed must be shared between those involved in order for this form of verbal cultural performance to occur.

This blog entry is my response to the Chapter Five Reflection Question.