The interactive framing of play in adult conversations

Abstract

Drawing upon the theory (developed by Bateson and by Goffman) of play as a metacommunicative frame created interactively, this study examined how adults frame play through their messages and behaviors. Interactants signalled play through such messages as overt invitations, nonverbal cues, abrupt topic changes, and outrageous or put‐on utterances. The nature of these messages led to different types of episodes labelled as play with a partner, play for a partner, and play at a partner. Often the signalling of play is incomplete, or “taken‐for‐granted” by participants. Implications for future research on play, metacommunication, and interpersonal interactions are discussed.