Greek and Buddhist jokes and their corresponding versions in classical Arabic literature
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Ulrich Marzolph
Abstract
Classical Arabic literature preserves one of the internationally largest repertoires of jokes and humorous anecdotes. As a rule, Arab humour focuses on human foibles, particularly ignorance and stupidity, and does not ridicule the basics of the religion of Islam. Although most of the texts relate to indigenous Arabic tradition, a certain amount can be traced to ancient Greek and Buddhist sources. The present contribution discusses this material. Whereas a relation between Greek and Arabic jokes, however difficult to prove with certainty, is fairly likely, the problematic aspects of hypothesizing about any direct relationship multiply when we consider Buddhist jokes.
Abstract
Classical Arabic literature preserves one of the internationally largest repertoires of jokes and humorous anecdotes. As a rule, Arab humour focuses on human foibles, particularly ignorance and stupidity, and does not ridicule the basics of the religion of Islam. Although most of the texts relate to indigenous Arabic tradition, a certain amount can be traced to ancient Greek and Buddhist sources. The present contribution discusses this material. Whereas a relation between Greek and Arabic jokes, however difficult to prove with certainty, is fairly likely, the problematic aspects of hypothesizing about any direct relationship multiply when we consider Buddhist jokes.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- About the contributors ix
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Part I. Humour as tool and topic (essays)
- Humour, risk and religion 3
- Religion and humour 11
- The unquenchable laughter of the gods 17
- Is the application of modern humour theories on historical cases a joke? 23
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Part II. Christianity and Judaism in Late Antiquity
- Derisive laughter and religious identity in ancient Christianity 33
- Opponent or advocate? 47
- “This joke has gone on for long enough” 63
- The smile of the martyr 81
- Divine mockery and laughing Rabbis 93
- Converting comedians 107
- Biblical fun 127
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Part III. The Qur’an and early Arabic literature
- Humour and its ethics 145
- A laughing God, between Sunni approval and Shi’ite rejection 155
- Poetic parodies of Islamic discourses by Abū Nuwās 183
- Greek and Buddhist jokes and their corresponding versions in classical Arabic literature 207
-
Part IV. Buddhism
- How is this sutra different from my ass? 221
- Finicking monkeys 235
- “Are you really serious?” 253
-
Part V. Conclusion
- Humour in religion 273
- Index 301
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- About the contributors ix
-
Part I. Humour as tool and topic (essays)
- Humour, risk and religion 3
- Religion and humour 11
- The unquenchable laughter of the gods 17
- Is the application of modern humour theories on historical cases a joke? 23
-
Part II. Christianity and Judaism in Late Antiquity
- Derisive laughter and religious identity in ancient Christianity 33
- Opponent or advocate? 47
- “This joke has gone on for long enough” 63
- The smile of the martyr 81
- Divine mockery and laughing Rabbis 93
- Converting comedians 107
- Biblical fun 127
-
Part III. The Qur’an and early Arabic literature
- Humour and its ethics 145
- A laughing God, between Sunni approval and Shi’ite rejection 155
- Poetic parodies of Islamic discourses by Abū Nuwās 183
- Greek and Buddhist jokes and their corresponding versions in classical Arabic literature 207
-
Part IV. Buddhism
- How is this sutra different from my ass? 221
- Finicking monkeys 235
- “Are you really serious?” 253
-
Part V. Conclusion
- Humour in religion 273
- Index 301
