THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE IN HUMOR AND OTHER FORMS OF PLAYFUL COMMUNICATION (A CASE STUDY OF JOHN MULANEY’S STAND-UP COMEDY)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1   Background to the Study

Humor and play are essential parts of human existence. Whether at home, on the go or at work, we all laugh and smile in our everyday interactions and activities. Imagining or remembering amusing events can bring us joy, even when we are alone. Experiencing a truly humorous event triggers a similar emotional response, often experienced as an internal smile or laughter, although it does not always manifest as an external smile or laughter. We can find humor in situations that are not initially humorous, but which we mentally reinterpret in addition to truly humorous moments (Essa et al. (2020).

Adding a mental twist can make an ordinary event humorous. This mental rethinking does not change the actual situation, even though it takes place in our imagination. For example, we could imagine someone tripping over a banana peel or think about how a situation can be interpreted to create ambiguity or incongruence, which could lead to a humorous outcome.
What is important is that the humorous event does not necessarily have to occur in reality; The mere ability to imagine it is enough to evoke a feeling of amusement (Nijholt, 2021). In addition, humor can also occur in the audiovisual sector such as stand-up comedy. Stand-up comedy as one of the humor products that is widely discussed among the general public today can be interpreted as “stand comedy” or “single comedy”. Stand-up comedy has the specificity that jokes are brought live on stage through comics in front of an audience (Essa et al., 2020).

According to Rullyanti and Nurdianto (2019), the primary goal of humor is to produce a humorous effect by carefully utilizing linguistic components within the language itself. Human interaction is greatly influenced by language, which is used for humor and lighthearted conversation in addition to communication. Important linguistic components like wordplay, rhythm, and structure are crucial for enhancing comedic effect and promoting interpersonal relationships. Extensive research has explored the intricate relationship between language and humor, revealing how various linguistic features can trigger laughter and enhance happiness in social contexts.

Language promotes humor primarily by influencing context and meaning. Ruch (1998) claims that humor often results from linguistic inconsistencies, where puns or unexpected combinations of words create a dissonance that makes people laugh. The incongruence-resolution theory, which states that humor depends on an unexpected turn of events that contradicts our expectations, lends credence to this idea (Suls, 1972).

Furthermore, the role of context in humor is crucial; As Attardo (1994) noted, cultural and situational factors influence the way language is interpreted, causing the same joke to resonate differently with different audiences. Furthermore, playful communication, which includes jokes, jokes, and playful language, relies heavily on linguistic creativity. This creativity manifests itself in the use of metaphors, irony and exaggeration, as McGhee (1979) points out. Such devices not only captivate the listener but also create a sense of camaraderie among the communicators. The playful use of language promotes an environment in which individuals can express their identities and build connections, as noted by Fine (1983), who discusses how shared humor strengthens social bonds.

Moreso, language is crucial to how power and social interaction are shaped. For example, irony and sarcasm can be used as tools of social criticism and help people cope with complex social structures (Kreuz and Roberts, 1993). By manipulating language and understanding its nuances, speakers can convey hidden meanings that question authority or offer social commentary. The complexity of humor lies in its capacity to entertain while simultaneously provoking thought and sparking conversation through intricate language.

1.2 Statement Of The Problem

Humor and playful communication are fundamental aspects of human interaction, yet the intricate role that language plays in these forms of expression remains underexplored. Language not only serves as a medium for delivering jokes and witty remarks but also shapes the cognitive and social dynamics of humor. According to Ruch (1998), humor often relies on linguistic mechanisms such as puns, double entendres, and incongruities, which engage the audience's cognitive processes in unexpected ways. The nuanced interplay between language and humor can enhance social bonds and provide relief in stressful situations, suggesting that understanding this relationship is essential for both psychological well-being and effective communication.

Moreover, playful communication, which includes banter, teasing, and playful sarcasm, relies heavily on linguistic subtleties that can vary significantly across cultures. Holmes (2000) highlights that the interpretation of playful language often depends on contextual cues and shared understanding among communicators, which can lead to misunderstandings or reinforce social ties. This complexity raises important questions about the implications of language in both promoting and hindering effective communication, particularly in diverse settings. As humor evolves with cultural contexts, further research is needed to unravel how language influences both the creation and reception of humor and playful interactions, ultimately affecting interpersonal relationships and social cohesion.Top of FormBottom of Form

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is to examine the role of language in humor and other forms of playful communication. Specific objectives of the study are:

1. To investigate the linguistic devices employed in humorous and playful communication.
2. To explore the cultural and social context of humorous and playful language use.
3. To examine the psychological impact of humorous and playful communication.

1.4 Research Questions

To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. How do linguistic devices such as puns, irony, and hyperbole contribute to the creation of humor and playfulness in communication?
2. How do cultural norms and values influence the perception and interpretation of humor and playfulness?
3. How does humorous and playful communication affect individuals' emotional states and well-being?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:

Ho: There is no significant relationship between the use of language and the effectiveness of humor and playful communication in social interactions.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:

Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Linguistics sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.

Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organizations used as a case study.

Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study is delimited to John Mulaney’s stand-up comedy. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.

1.9 Organization of the Study

The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.

Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.

Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.

Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.

Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.

1.10 Definition of Terms

1.  Puns

A form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-sounding words for humorous effect, often creating a double entendre.

2.  Innuendo

 An indirect or subtle reference, often with a suggestive or humorous implication, allowing for layered meanings and playful interpretations.

3.  Irony

 A rhetorical device where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often used to create humor through contrast and unexpected outcomes.

4.  Sarcasm

 A form of verbal irony that conveys contempt or ridicule, where the speaker's actual meaning is often the opposite of what they say, used to elicit laughter or highlight absurdity.

5.  Exaggeration (Hyperbole)

 A deliberate and obvious exaggeration for emphasis or humorous effect, often employed in storytelling or jokes to create absurdity.

6.  Malapropism

 The unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar, resulting in a humorous effect due to the absurdity of the mistake.

7. Playful Language

 The creative use of language that breaks conventional rules, including alliteration, rhyme, and neologism, to evoke humor and engage audiences in a light-hearted manner.