Conceptual Blending in Jokes

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2009 , 16 Pages , Grade: 1,3

English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics

The emerging ability for blending different mental spaces, so argue Fauconnier and Turner (2002: V), allowed humans to gain the upper hand over competing species from the Upper Paleolithic onwards, since this ability gave them the imagination required to invent new concepts, tools and means of communication (among them language). On the basis of this discovery and the initially developed Mental Space theory, Fauconnier and Turner advanced a striking theory called the Conceptual Blending theory. [...] Therefore, in this term paper I focus entirely on jokes, which I attempt to interpret by means of the Blending theory. To investigate cognitive processes involved in joke comprehension, I have interviewed four English native speakers with the intention of finding whether all of them are able to explain why the joke is funny and which incompatible elements are responsible for its humorous effect. Taking into account the participants' answers I have tried to define the input spaces (by naming their constituents) and the blended space. Additionally, the participants' answers were evaluated with regard to the role of background knowledge, which is necessary in order to comprehend the joke. Finally, I examined whether the Conceptual Blending theory might be applicable for the analysis of joke processing and comprehension in general and what difficulties can arise during the creation of the input spaces and the blend.
Thus, in the following sections I will first introduce important information on conceptual blending and then analyze selected jokes according to the Conceptual Blending theory, taking into consideration the interviewees' explanations of the jokes.
Central to Conceptual Blending theory is the notion of the conceptual blending network (or conceptual integration network), an array of mental spaces in which the processes of blending unfold (Fauconnier and Turner, 1998b). A basic conceptual integration network contains four mental spaces: two input spaces, a generic space and a blended space (see Figure 1).
Input spaces are on-line conceptual representations constructed under the influence of the incoming information but tapping stored cognitive models. [...]

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Conceptual Blending
• Jokes and Their Analyses
  • Irish Joke
  • Lady Cop Joke
  • Chinese Joke
  • Doc Patient Joke
• Conclusion
• References

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the application of Conceptual Blending theory to the analysis of jokes. It aims to investigate how the theory can be used to explain the humorous effect of jokes and the cognitive processes involved in joke comprehension. The paper analyzes selected jokes through the lens of the Blending theory, taking into account the explanations provided by native English speakers. The study also explores the role of background knowledge in joke comprehension and the potential limitations of the Blending theory in analyzing joke processing.

• Conceptual Blending Theory
• Joke Comprehension and Humor
• Cognitive Processes Involved in Joke Processing
• The Role of Background Knowledge
• Limitations of the Blending Theory for Joke Analysis

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction outlines the importance of Conceptual Blending theory for understanding human cognition and its relevance to joke interpretation. The paper then delves into the core principles of Conceptual Blending theory, explaining the concept of a conceptual blending network and the roles of input spaces, generic space, and blended space. The following sections analyze specific jokes, exploring how the theory can be applied to understand the humorous effect and the cognitive processes involved. The analysis draws on interviews with native English speakers to gain insights into their interpretations of the jokes. The paper concludes by evaluating the applicability of Conceptual Blending theory for joke analysis and discussing potential challenges in applying the theory.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Conceptual Blending, Joke Comprehension, Humor, Cognitive Processes, Mental Spaces, Input Spaces, Generic Space, Blended Space, Background Knowledge, Cognitive Linguistics.

• College: University of Hamburg (Institut für Anglistik und Amerikanistik)
• Course: Highlights in Cognitive Linguistics
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Yuliya Asmolovskaya (Author)
• Publication Year: 2009
• Pages: 16
• Catalog Number: V148407
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640586226
• ISBN (Book): 9783640586332
• Language: English
• Tags: Conceptual, Blending, Jokes