Chapter 1. Investigating the dynamics of humor
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Jan Chovanec
Abstract
While semanticopragmatic approaches to humor usually view it as stemming from incongruity, many current studies from fields such as discourse analysis, conversation analysis, and pragmatics have moved beyond to underline the significance of other factors defining humor. These factors include the framing devices of humor, the reactions to it, the sociocultural parameters influencing its production and interpretation, its social functions and affective goals, and the genres where it may occur. In view of the above, a broader definition of interactional humor is proposed, emphasizing its dynamic co-construction and including all humorous texts whose meanings are negotiated among interactants. It is argued that such a definition has a number of relevant implications for the theory of humor, where it suitably complements the recent (pragmatic) shift towards a more contextualized understanding of humor production and reception.
Abstract
While semanticopragmatic approaches to humor usually view it as stemming from incongruity, many current studies from fields such as discourse analysis, conversation analysis, and pragmatics have moved beyond to underline the significance of other factors defining humor. These factors include the framing devices of humor, the reactions to it, the sociocultural parameters influencing its production and interpretation, its social functions and affective goals, and the genres where it may occur. In view of the above, a broader definition of interactional humor is proposed, emphasizing its dynamic co-construction and including all humorous texts whose meanings are negotiated among interactants. It is argued that such a definition has a number of relevant implications for the theory of humor, where it suitably complements the recent (pragmatic) shift towards a more contextualized understanding of humor production and reception.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Chapter 1. Investigating the dynamics of humor 1
-
Part 1. Designing humor in oral interactions
- Chapter 2. Reactions to jab lines in conversational storytelling 29
- Chapter 3. Discourse markers as guides to understanding spontaneous humor and irony 57
- Chapter 4. The pragmatics of humor in bilingual conversations 77
- Chapter 5. Laughing at you or laughing with you? 105
- Chapter 6. Teasing as audience engagement 127
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Part 2. Designing humor in mediated interactions
- Chapter 7. Laughter and non-humorous situations in TV documentaries 155
- Chapter 8. “Cool children” and “super seniors” cross into youth language 181
- Chapter 9. No child’s play 205
- Chapter 10. Online joint fictionalization 229
- Chapter 11. On-line humorous representations of the 2015 Greek national elections 257
- Chapter 12. Positive non-humorous effects of humor on the internet 283
- List of contributors 305
- Index 311
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Chapter 1. Investigating the dynamics of humor 1
-
Part 1. Designing humor in oral interactions
- Chapter 2. Reactions to jab lines in conversational storytelling 29
- Chapter 3. Discourse markers as guides to understanding spontaneous humor and irony 57
- Chapter 4. The pragmatics of humor in bilingual conversations 77
- Chapter 5. Laughing at you or laughing with you? 105
- Chapter 6. Teasing as audience engagement 127
-
Part 2. Designing humor in mediated interactions
- Chapter 7. Laughter and non-humorous situations in TV documentaries 155
- Chapter 8. “Cool children” and “super seniors” cross into youth language 181
- Chapter 9. No child’s play 205
- Chapter 10. Online joint fictionalization 229
- Chapter 11. On-line humorous representations of the 2015 Greek national elections 257
- Chapter 12. Positive non-humorous effects of humor on the internet 283
- List of contributors 305
- Index 311
