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Rather than being fixed in a state of solidarity and commonality though,
even this short excerpt of conversational data displays the second of the two
generic alignments I have thus far talked about, viz., negative alignment. Based
on the achieved common understanding, each couple respectively feels secure
enough to change to a more individuated footing (see Goffman 1981). In turn,
each one does this by proffering their own more individuated attempts to
achieve what has been agreed upon as a common need, i. e. getting away from
the kids. KJ&LJ invoke plans to take a trip to Castleton (a local beauty spot),
whilst TIVIUM draw on their own baby minding arrangements. In effect there is
a shift from an 'us' (qua sociable collective) to a 'we' (qua married couple)
footing. This allows each couple to claim individuated experiences and nuances
whilst remaining solidaric. What this short piece of conversational data reveals
then is the mutual proffering, ratification and support of both solidaric and
individuated claims. Both positive and negative equilibric alignment are manifest
at a conversational level as unproblematic and smooth running sociable chat,
further evidenced by the fact that following this particular encounter, both
couples spoke favourably of having had a 'good chat' about the kids with the
other.
The same face-based dynamics are also apparent in German sociable
conversation. This can be demonstrated by drawing on an example of the type
of conversation favoured by German participants in their doing of sociability,
namely, objective discussion. In the following episode of conversation the
participants are talking about 'Arbeitslosigkeit' ['Unemployment'].
Excerpt 6.2 'Arbeitslosigkeit
KN: =ich [würde lieber drei vierhundert Mark [im Jahr Autobahngebühr
GB: [So ist das [so ist das
KN: zahlen (. ) und dafür weniger Krankenkasse und Steuern und alles (0.5)
denn ich muß doch >wir müssen doch für die Arbeitslosen
mitbezahlen