"Kaláka" is an institution typical for the Hungarian village. Neighbours, relatives, acquaintances exchange labour whenever they build house or have some other major work on the agenda. The authors claim this is an example of Karl Polányi's reciprocity theory, which they explain in detail.
Category Archives: Periodical
Social question and euthanasia in the advanced west
Euthanasia, often debated in contemporary Hungary, can be understood in a historical context. The author finds it has been a part of organising the family along profit requirements, which was perfected in Nazi Germany. It is far from related to real solidarity and sympathy.
Language and liberty – Language theory and political ideology in Noam Chomsky’s views
Noam Chomsky is a world famous professor of linguistics and a well known political activist. Nevertheless, it is an extraordinary enterprise to analyse his linguistic and political philosophies in the same paper.
The words that make the unacceptable accepted
Everybody has heard about steamlining the economy, a flexible labour market, and other similar phrases. The author claims it is deliberate manipulation when positively sounding words are used to describe negative phenomena.
The twilight of international discourse
Much of the phrases and expressions used in the mass media carry a value judgment that the speakers want to transfer towards the listeners. Thus, racism and exclusion can be coded in a language that otherwise appears civilised.