This paper deals with humor in cross-cultural contexts by drawing on Wierzbicka's concept of "cultural scripts". It explains why humor, more than other speech acts, is culture-dependent and describes the conditions in which humorous talk is initiated and upheld. Studies on possible reactions to humor and the difficulties of joking in an intercultural setting are discussed as well.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Humor and cross-cultural pragmatics
- The play frame as trigger of humorous talk
- Who initiates the play frame or humor in general?
- Cross-cultural considerations on starting humor
- Possible reactions to humor: (lack of) comprehension
- Possible reactions to humor: mind if I join in?
- (Social) functions and effects of humor
- Humor in intercultural settings
- Concluding remarks
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the influence of cultural norms and values on the phenomenon of humor, arguing that a cross-cultural perspective is essential to understanding its complexities. It analyzes how humor is triggered, the reactions to it, and its potential functions in different cultural contexts, while focusing on the concept of the "play frame" and how it impacts humorous talk.
- The interplay between cultural values and humor
- The role of the "play frame" in triggering humorous talk
- Cross-cultural perspectives on humor comprehension and participation
- The social functions and effects of humor in different cultures
- The challenges of studying humor in a cross-cultural context
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The paper establishes the importance of a cross-cultural perspective in the study of humor, highlighting its dependence on context, speaker-hearer relationship, and cultural norms. It introduces the concept of cultural scripts as a method for analyzing the impact of culture on humor.
- Methodology: This chapter discusses the limitations of relying heavily on Western research data in the field of psychology and linguistics. It emphasizes the importance of considering cultural variations in human behavior and interaction, advocating for a more inclusive approach to research.
- Humor and Cross-Cultural Pragmatics: This chapter defines humor as a linguistic phenomenon with no singular definition and emphasizes its multifaceted nature. It introduces the concept of the "play frame" as a crucial element in triggering humorous talk and highlights the importance of cooperation and shared understanding in generating humor.
- The Play Frame as Trigger of Humorous Talk: This section explores the concept of the "play frame," introduced by Bateson, as a mechanism for signaling the intention to engage in humorous communication. It discusses how the play frame can be established and maintained in various conversational settings, fostering solidarity and in-tune-ness among participants.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The paper focuses on the cross-cultural pragmatics of humor, exploring its interplay with cultural values, the concept of the "play frame," and the importance of cross-cultural research in understanding human behavior and interaction. It examines humorous speech patterns, cultural scripts, and the impact of different cultural perspectives on humor comprehension and participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is humor considered culture-dependent?
Humor relies heavily on shared cultural scripts, social norms, and specific speaker-hearer relationships that vary significantly across different societies.
What is the "play frame" in the context of humor?
The play frame is a psychological and linguistic mechanism used to signal that a conversation is not to be taken seriously, allowing humorous talk to begin and be maintained.
What are "cultural scripts" in humor research?
Introduced by Wierzbicka, cultural scripts are mental frameworks that dictate how individuals in a specific culture expect communication, including jokes, to function.
What happens when there is a lack of comprehension in intercultural humor?
The paper discusses reactions to failed humor, noting that a lack of shared cultural knowledge often leads to awkwardness or misunderstanding in intercultural settings.
What are the social functions of humor?
Humor serves to foster solidarity, create a sense of "in-tune-ness" among participants, but can also be used for social exclusion or to challenge power dynamics.
- Quote paper
- Jakub Duch (Author), 2014, The Cross-Cultural Pragmatics of Humor, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/511881
