The Language of Humor
The Language of Humor
Much of today's communication is carried out through various kinds of humor, and we therefore need to be able to understand its many aspects. Here, two of the world's leading pioneers in humor studies, Alleen and Don Nilsen, explore how humor can be explained across the numerous sub-disciplines of linguistics. Drawing on examples from language play and jokes in a range of real-life contexts, such as art, business, marketing, comedy, creative writing, science, journalism and politics, the authors use their own theory of 'Features, functions and subjects of Humor' to analyze humor across all disciplines. Each highly accessible chapter uses a rich array of examples to stimulate discussion and interaction even in large classes. Supplemental PowerPoints to accompany each of the 25 chapters are available online, taking many of the insights from the chapters for further interactional discussions with students.
- The book is highly accessible by readers from multiple disciplines, jargon and niche terminology is kept to a minimum
- Each chapter includes supplementary material, available online, to illicit further in-class discussion and help teachers to prepare for their classes
- Offers countless examples that involve, amuse and inspire students
Reviews & endorsements
'A hilarious romp through a cornucopia of examples on a dizzying variety of subjects. Quintessential Nilsens' work!' Salvatore Attardo, Texas A & M University
'… a must read for any of us in humor studies, English, and several other disciplines … the perfect complement to the former papers on each of the topics covered, all gathered in one readable and clearly written volume. The field of humor research is, as always, greatly enhanced by the Nilsens, and no library would be complete without their newest compilation.' Joyce M. Saltman, Professor Emeritus, Southern Connecticut State University
'… it is a very interesting and concise reading … it is an essential reading for everyone who wants to gain a general perspective on humorous issues in important areas of human activity.' Roula Saltidou, The European Journal of Humour Research
Product details
November 2018Paperback
9781108403962
402 pages
228 × 152 × 22 mm
0.61kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction and overview
- 2. Humor in anthropology
- 3. Humor and art
- 4. Humor and Business
- 5. Humor and computer science
- 6. Humor and education
- 7. Humor and gender studies
- 8. Humor and geography
- 9. Humor and gerontology
- 10. Humor and history
- 11. Humor and journalism
- 12. Humor and law
- 13. Humor and linguistics
- 14. Humor and literature
- 15. Humor in medicine and health
- 16. Humor and music
- 17. Humor in names and naming
- 18. Humor in the performing arts
- 19. Humor and philosophy
- 20. Humor in physical education and sports
- 21. Humor and politics
- 22. Humor and psychology
- 23 Humor and religion
- 24. Humor in rhetoric and composition
- 25. Humor and sociology
- Conclusion.
