Banská Štiavnica, renowned for its mining heritage, features a network of artificial water reservoirs, dams and canals known as "tajchy", that were crucial for mining operations in the past. Dam failure or damage can trigger uncontrolled water leakage, potentially resulting in flooding, property destruction, loss of life, and lasting environmental harm. Thus, ensuring the regular inspection and maintenance of dams in compliance with regulations is imperative for mitigating such risks. The paper examines the events of February 1977, during which adverse weather conditions led to the threat of dam failure for the Veľká Vodárenská and Klinger reservoirs in Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. Through the interview, we find out about the key role played by the commander of the Fire Department of the Mine company Rudné in coordinating the emergency response efforts.
The study provides an ethnographic probe into the lives of the members of the PCR test team during the pandemic of COVID-19. The aim is to show the use of humour as a communication strategy in times of crisis from the perspective of symbolic anthropology and ethnography of communication, especially theories of danger and joke. The approach of state health institutions have often failed to meet the needs of society, affecting patients’ access to information, the treatment of diseases or the identification of positive patients. Humour helped to prevent the conflicts, signalled forgiveness and influenced attitudes towards adherence to the rules. We focus on interpersonal and interactional aspects of communication, social identification of the respondents, as well as the influence of political culture. Coping strategies are followed through: (1) representations of dirt and the boundaries of the body, (2) the re-contextualization of the statements and acts, (3) the boundaries of the joke in relation to feelings of safety, and (4) the subversive effect of humour and flirtation in a time of the disciplining of bodies. The study demonstrates how laughter bridges the gap resulting from the conflicting informational inputs. The re-contextualisation of the teams’ motto: Corona does not exist! is interpreted in its socio-pragmatic dimension.
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