The power of inversion
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Susana Rodríguez Rosique
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze irony as a violation of the maxim of quality, thus extending the definition established by Grice. More specifically, it demonstrates how this definition may result in a highly productive model taking advantage of the neo-gricean description of meaning. Therefore, irony will be examined as an inverting procedure which may affect not only what is said and what is inferred but also discursive typologies and textual traditions. Similarly, this proposal seeks to offer a contiguous definition of irony and humor as contrastive mechanisms. Finally, from a more general point of view, the paper will show how irony may be embedded in different types of discourse.
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze irony as a violation of the maxim of quality, thus extending the definition established by Grice. More specifically, it demonstrates how this definition may result in a highly productive model taking advantage of the neo-gricean description of meaning. Therefore, irony will be examined as an inverting procedure which may affect not only what is said and what is inferred but also discursive typologies and textual traditions. Similarly, this proposal seeks to offer a contiguous definition of irony and humor as contrastive mechanisms. Finally, from a more general point of view, the paper will show how irony may be embedded in different types of discourse.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- The pragmatics of irony and humor 1
-
1. Irony and humor
- The power of inversion 17
- Intentionality and irony 39
- An inference-centered analysis of jokes 59
-
2. Irony and humor in mediated discourse
- Discursive mechanisms of informative humor in Spanish media 85
- Narrative strategies in Buenafuente’s humorous monologues 107
- Cartoons in Spanish press 141
- Phonological humor as perception and representation of foreignness 159
-
3. Irony and humor in conversational interaction
- Failed humor in conversational utterances in Spanish 191
- Humor and argumentation in everyday talk 219
- Tackling the complexity of spontaneous humorous interaction 243
- Subject index 269
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- The pragmatics of irony and humor 1
-
1. Irony and humor
- The power of inversion 17
- Intentionality and irony 39
- An inference-centered analysis of jokes 59
-
2. Irony and humor in mediated discourse
- Discursive mechanisms of informative humor in Spanish media 85
- Narrative strategies in Buenafuente’s humorous monologues 107
- Cartoons in Spanish press 141
- Phonological humor as perception and representation of foreignness 159
-
3. Irony and humor in conversational interaction
- Failed humor in conversational utterances in Spanish 191
- Humor and argumentation in everyday talk 219
- Tackling the complexity of spontaneous humorous interaction 243
- Subject index 269
