A kiszámoló az élet fontos dolga

Absztrakt

If we do not prefer to be isolated and act in roles not chosen by ourselves in the world outside games, neither shall we inside. This is exactly why counting-out rhymes were created. They clearly state who is to take the unpleasant role in the game, who is ‘IT’. No longer do they decide who should live or die like their ancestor, the decimation, but, similarly, they leave the decision to fate. Structurally, a counting rhyme is a bridge to the game, functionally, it is a problem-solving device. A part of the game scenario, which will disappear when the actual game starts. This study was written with the goal to analyse what is behind the counting rhyme. Is there anything behind it at all? Half a minute long mechanical activity or human relationship? Is it a mere declaration, a role assignment or a social event? Do its structure and thematic need understanding? Is its rhythm a form of gesticulation or control? Is its linguistic content only a pile of raw material or a string of transubstantiated words? A counting rhyme is not elevated, or a liar, or beautiful, or ugly, neither is it a moral guide. Sometimes it is not longer than two lines, but, like the greatest literary works, it is a form of text and activity which has dramaturgy, tension, humour. Sometimes it is unspeakably nonsensical, but ready to be used for a preschool child as the language of their archaic self-identity.