Phonological humor as perception and representation of foreignness
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Javier Muñoz-Basols
Abstract
The repertoire of humor based on the phonological aspect of language is vast, and such humor can be found in different media and textual modes. This article focuses on verbal humor, specifically on ‘phonological jokes,’ in which words or phonemes of one’s own language are made to imitate or parody the sounds of another language (Muñoz-Basols 2013). Based on evidence that this type of joke is a widespread practice found in over 30 languages (Muñoz-Basols 2012), we classify the linguistic strategies used in such jokes to humorously represent foreignness. We analyze phonological jokes within the framework of cultural, social, individual, and comparative humorous contexts (Oring 2008), and we establish that they differ from ethnic jokes and belong to a distinct category of humor.
Abstract
The repertoire of humor based on the phonological aspect of language is vast, and such humor can be found in different media and textual modes. This article focuses on verbal humor, specifically on ‘phonological jokes,’ in which words or phonemes of one’s own language are made to imitate or parody the sounds of another language (Muñoz-Basols 2013). Based on evidence that this type of joke is a widespread practice found in over 30 languages (Muñoz-Basols 2012), we classify the linguistic strategies used in such jokes to humorously represent foreignness. We analyze phonological jokes within the framework of cultural, social, individual, and comparative humorous contexts (Oring 2008), and we establish that they differ from ethnic jokes and belong to a distinct category of humor.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- The pragmatics of irony and humor 1
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1. Irony and humor
- The power of inversion 17
- Intentionality and irony 39
- An inference-centered analysis of jokes 59
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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
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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
