Wykładniki wartościowania Śląska i Ślązaków w skeczach Kabaretu Rak

Abstract

The object of the article has to do with the elements of Silesia and Silesian people’s image which are evaluated positively or negatively in the skits of Kabaret Rak. This is a typical Silesian cabaret which supports the regional identity and the associated values. The perspective of a cabaret emphasises the means of building comedy, verbal and situational humour. The stereotype (including the self‑stereotype) is an important category which determines to a great extent the common beliefs about Silesia and its inhabitants. A significant context has to do with the peculiar nature of the audience and the reception‑ related competence associated with the comprehension of the Silesian dialect. The elements of positive evaluation of Silesianness include inter alia the Silesian dialect, the mining industry and football. The category “us–them” presents a clearly negative image. The analysis also covered the problems which are perceived in two ways (the pursuit of autonomy) or ones which are perceived clearly negatively (the harm associated with the mining damage). All the elements of the Silesia and of Silesian people’s image belong to stereotypical symbols associated with the region and its inhabitants.