Notes on the semantics of play

Abstract

This article aims to take a new look at the theme of play through the recognition of the semantics which are proper to it. The path we have identified develops around the suggestions of Huizinga, Caillois and Goffman’s thoughts. These authors have grasped in the theme of play, although with different perspectives, a symbolic space and a common practice necessary for the life of culture. In fact, within our play takes place/occurs the encounter and negotiation between the different points of view, necessarily heterogeneous and conflicting, as well as their unceasing/constant/incessant re-inclusion in a shared horizon of meaning, capable of transcending them. For this reason, not only a simple affinity between play and teaching is given, but a dense relationship capable of directing our actions in the world and the ways in which we try to represent it.

Keywords

• gioco
• semantiche
• rappresentazioni
• orizzonte condiviso
• significato