Intimacy - Intimate discourse - Anthropology of Intimacy: Prolegomena Ways

Abstract

The author puts forward the thesis that intimacy in the research of contemporary culture should be seen more broadly than only in relation to sexuality, which dominates in previous anthropological studies (e.g. Giddens), sociopedagogical studies (e.g. Grochalska), philosophical studies (e.g. Musiał) or philological studies (e.g. intimist studies). Intimacy can mean all messages concerning experiences, sensations, thoughts, feelings and emotions, which are expressed by means of genres related to the intimate sphere, involving not only with lovers, but also every person, even a stranger. While intentionally exhibitionist texts (autobiographical, quasi-documentary, intimist studies of the Internet) can be considered as created intimacy, texts in the everyday Polish language and embedded in everyday life can be classified as primordial intimacy. The author suggests that this understanding of intimacy - as an axiological space - should be dealt with in interdisciplinary anthropological research. Her theses are based on the analysis of language samples obtained in 2012 through a survey on a unique journey.