This research paper focuses mainly on the relationship between impoliteness and humor in comedy series. In the following I will name the research questions I'm dealing with in this paper. What makes the character Sheldon Cooper a funny character? How is it possible for an almost misanthropic character like him to create humor and to entertain an audience? What are the reasons for his impolite nature and in what way are they presented? My hypothesis is that The Big Bang Theory uses impoliteness and power relations to create a specific type of humor, which is able to make even an antisocial character likable and congenial. In order to test my hypothesis, I reviewed the Politeness Strategies by Brown and Levinson (1978) and the Impoliteness Strategies by Culpeper (2005). Furthermore I made researches about the connection between power and impoliteness and their relation to humor. During the procedure I matched the received information with inserted data from the sitcom in order to learn about their effects on spectators. Based on the findings I received during my research, one can say that the combination of impoliteness and power leads under specific conditions to amusement and enjoyment within the audience. Taking into account different factors, can turn an offensive utterance or even a conflict between two or more people into a tool of humor and thus cause delight for observers. The main conclusions of this paper are, that Sheldon Cooper's behavior perfectly matches the Impoliteness Strategies by Culpeper (2005), that power plays a significant role in creating impoliteness and that impoliteness and conflict are strongly connected to humor.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Definition of Linguistic Humor, Politeness and Impoliteness
3.1 Linguistic Humor
3.2 Politeness, Nonpoliteness and Impoliteness according to Leech
3.3 Politeness Strategies by Penelope Brown and Stephen C. Levinson
3.4 Impoliteness Strategies by Jonathan Culpeper
4. Data and Analysis of Specific Conversational Fragments, Jokes and Punchlines from The Big Bang Theory
5. Power and Impoliteness in The Big Bang Theory
6. Impoliteness and Entertainment
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This research paper explores the complex interplay between impoliteness and humor, specifically focusing on how antisocial and impolite communication strategies contribute to the characterization and entertainment value of Sheldon Cooper in the sitcom The Big Bang Theory.
- The linguistic analysis of impoliteness strategies as defined by Jonathan Culpeper.
- The role of power dynamics and social status in facilitating impolite behavior within comedy.
- The application of Brown and Levinson’s "Face-Threatening Acts" to sitcom dialogue.
- The psychological and entertainment functions of humor derived from misfortune and social conflict.
Extract from the Book
4. Data and Analysis of Specific Conversational Fragments, Jokes and Punchlines from The Big Bang Theory
Taken from: The Big Bang Theory, Season 1, Episode 08.
Sheldon: Sorry I’m late.
Leonard: What happened?
Sheldon: Nothing, I just really didn’t want to come. Virgin diet cuba libre please.
In this conversational fragment, Sheldon clearly flouts the politeness system by Brown and Levinson (1978). Instead his behavior can be put into words by one of Culpeper's Impoliteness Strategies (2005). Sheldon makes use of the Bald on Record Impoliteness strategy by telling Leonard in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner, that he had no interest in joining him and Penny. There is no hint that he intends to threaten Leonards positive or negative face but he does not hestitate although face is not irrelevant in this situation.
Chapter Summaries
1. Abstract: Provides a concise overview of the research hypothesis, methodology, and primary conclusions regarding Sheldon Cooper's impoliteness.
2. Introduction: Outlines the significance of studying humor in contemporary television and defines the scope of analyzing communication systems in sitcoms.
3. Definition of Linguistic Humor, Politeness and Impoliteness: Establishes the theoretical foundation by reviewing definitions of humor and the contrasting models of politeness and impoliteness.
4. Data and Analysis of Specific Conversational Fragments, Jokes and Punchlines from The Big Bang Theory: Applies the theoretical frameworks to specific dialogue examples from the series to demonstrate how impolite strategies function in practice.
5. Power and Impoliteness in The Big Bang Theory: Examines how Sheldon’s perceived intellectual superiority influences his social interactions and justifies his harsh behavioral patterns.
6. Impoliteness and Entertainment: Explores the spectator’s perspective, explaining how witnessing social conflict provides emotional and aesthetic pleasure.
7. Conclusion: Summarizes the findings, confirming that impoliteness is a core mechanism for creating humor and character development in The Big Bang Theory.
Keywords
Impoliteness, Humor, The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon Cooper, Face-Threatening Acts, Jonathan Culpeper, Brown and Levinson, Sitcom, Power Dynamics, Linguistic Pragmatics, Entertainment, Social Conflict, Communication Systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the relationship between impolite language and the generation of humor, using the sitcom The Big Bang Theory as a case study.
Which theoretical frameworks are central to the analysis?
The study primarily relies on Jonathan Culpeper’s Impoliteness Strategies and the Politeness theory developed by Penelope Brown and Stephen C. Levinson.
What is the research question driving this study?
The main question investigates how Sheldon Cooper, an character often depicted as antisocial or misanthropic, creates humor through impolite behavior and whether this makes him more likable to the audience.
How is the data analyzed in the study?
The author identifies specific conversational fragments from various seasons of the show and maps them against established linguistic models to interpret the mechanics of the humor used.
What role does power play in the findings?
The research concludes that power is a significant factor in impoliteness, as Sheldon’s sense of intellectual superiority grants him the social freedom to act impolitely toward his peers.
What are the key terms that define this work?
Key terms include "Face-Threatening Acts," "Impoliteness Strategies," "Linguistic Humor," and "Social Power."
How does the author explain the audience's enjoyment of Sheldon's behavior?
The paper suggests that the audience experiences "Emotional" and "Aesthetic" pleasure, as the spectator observes conflicts from a safe, non-threatening distance.
Why is Sheldon Cooper considered a unique case for this research?
Sheldon represents a character who defies standard social norms yet remains a successful comedic figure, making him an ideal subject for testing the link between offensiveness and humor.
- Quote paper
- M.Ed. Timmy Paul (Author), 2017, The Relation between Impoliteness and Humor in "The Big Bang Theory", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1169259
