The Language of Jokes

The Language of Jokes: Analyzing Verbal Play (Interface) 1st Edition

by Delia Chiaro (Author)

In this highly readable and thought-provoking book, Delia Chiaro explores the pragmatics of word play, using frameworks normally adopted in descriptive linguistics. Using examples from personally recorded conversations, she examines the structure of jokes, quips, riddles and asides. Chiaro explores degrees of conformity to and deviation from established conventions; the `tellability’ of jokes, and the interpretative role of the listener; the creative use of puns, word play and discourse. The emphasis in her analysis is on sociocultural contexts for the production and reception of jokes, and she examines the extent to which jokes are both universal in their appeal, and specific to a particular culture.

Product details

• Series: Interface
• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (June 21, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415030900
• ISBN-13: 978-0415030908
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.3 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars 1 customer review
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,665,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Used it for my dissertation

November 9, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Useful and interesting. Read it three years ago.