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Acknowledgments
Acknowledgements seems an embarrassingly inadequate way to thank
those who have contributed to this study. Primarily, my thanks are extended
to the participants who participated in the sociable episodes from which my
data were drawn. They have on numerous occasions put up with my strange
and intrusive activities in sites normally reserved for their own relaxation and
enjoyment. On no occasion did any participants object to my recording their
talk, nor attempt to question, ridicule or undermine my activities. In return for
their respect of my research work, I offer my own deepest respect for their
patience, understanding, and above all, friendship. This study would indeed
not have been possible without their help and understanding.
From a professional point of view special thanks go to my supervisor
Greg Smith, for his faith in me as a student, and support of the trajectory my
work ultimately took over the four years to its completion. Thanks are also due
to the Institute for Social Research (ISR) secretary Mary Byrne, for her
invaluable assistance in a range of administrative matters essential to the
completion of the thesis as well as fellow students within the ISR for allowing
me to 'off load' my ideas.
In terms of the personal support I have received, I thank my family and
friends, for their understanding and valuing of what I was doing with my life
over the four years of this PhD work. I should also pay reference to the late
'Taurus' the cat, for his therapeutic value as a "Knuddeltier". He shall be
missed. Finally, and above all else, I thank my wife Elke. Her help with the
practicalities of transcription and accurate translation of transcripts, passing
on of culturally specific knowledge, and comments on the validity of my own
ideas and observations have formed the bedrock on which this study is
based. Alongside this, her emotional support has, on more than one occasion
saved me from moments of near desperation. Were it not for her, not only
would this thesis not have been possible, but it is beyond doubt that I would
not be the person I am today.
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