Although humour exists in every culture, it can be very difficult to express and to understand it in different contexts, especially in intercultural interactions where there may be different ‘norms of appropriateness’. This lecture will set out some of the general theories and functions of humour by exploring examples of conversational humour in various comedy clips and in data from an empirical study. A number of variables affecting the understanding and use of humour in conversation are discussed, with a particular focus on the role of culture in the communication of humour in intercultural interactions. Dr Winchester will conclude that expressions of humour which perform a ‘bonding’ function in conversation are prevalent in intercultural interactions. Expressions of humour which perform a riskier ‘differentiating’ function appear to be less common, although this is a key way of constructing national identity for conversational participants in intercultural encounters.
Speaker: Dr Jules Winchester, University of Sussex
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Location: Language Learning Centre, Arts A, University of Sussex, Falmer Campus
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