A sense of humour is one of the notions that is easier described with the help of multiple circumlocutions and sinuous turns of phrases than properly, that is, comprehensively and succinctly defined. For some inexplicable reason most people, if not actually every single person, would feel offended if referred to as having no or little sense of humour. Although, there is no one explanation of this, it seems that it is basically down to the fact that a sense of humour, that is, its presence, is an indication of, allegedly, more significant characteristics that everyone wants to possess, – wit, intelligence, acumen. In other words, the ability to spot and appreciate a joke or one of the other multiple varieties of verbal play (play involving the usage of natural language) is deemed by some an indication, although an indirect one, of a person’s mental abilities and even of his/her intellect.
Lavrova N.A.
A Sense of Humour and Verbal Play: Correlation and Gauge
(based on the humorous passages from B. Bryson’s Notes from a Big Country)
A sense of humour is one of the notions that is easier described with the help of multiple circumlocutions and sinuous turns of phrases than properly, that is, comprehensively and succinctly defined. For some inexplicable reason most people, if not actually every single person, would feel offended if referred to as having no or little sense of humour. Although, there is no one explanation of this, it seems that it is basically down to the fact that a sense of humour, that is, its presence, is an indication of, allegedly, more significant characteristics that everyone wants to possess, – wit, intelligence, acumen. In other words, the ability to spot and appreciate a joke or one of the other multiple varieties of verbal play (play involving the usage of natural language) is deemed by some an indication, although an indirect one, of a person’s mental abilities and even of his/her intellect. Research into the question of whether there is such a correlation or not is impeded by several factors. The most weighty one can be formulated as follows: it is hardly possible to pinpoint the only single response to a joke that would be indicative of the presence (or absence) of a sense of humour. The stumbling block here is that the appreciation of a joke leads to a variety of responses, each as indicative of a sense of humour as it is not. For a number of reasons a speaker’s reaction to a joke may vary on the scale of explicitness. If, for instance, in a bad mood or when preoccupied with some thoughts, an individual may demonstrate no outward reaction to the joke while “appreciation” takes place. If the joke is appreciated, but deemed in poor taste, the reaction may also be subdued. Apart from that, a persons’ temperament should also be taken into account: a phlegmatic and a melancholic are usually more reserved than a choleric or a sanguine person. Given this, it seems that one of the best ways of gauging an individual’s sense of humour, if “gauging” can at all be applied here, is encouraging one to describe their own understanding of the joke, the feelings it brought about, and their evaluation of the joke.
As a complex phenomenon, a sense of humour should also be delved into from the active point of view, not only from the receptive vantage point. In other words, an individual’s ability and, probably, willingness to construct and apply jokes should not be discarded, either. Having said this, the following question arises: should a person who does not joke a lot be deemed as possessing no sense of humour whatsoever? It seems that the answer is in the negative. A number of factors are involved here, such as: an individual’s outlook on life, philosophy, religion, family history and even personal life. Researchers are hard put to consider all these factors and, as a rule, prefer to confine their investigation to a neatly, if narrowly, defined track, which more often than not renders the results incomplete, equivocal and contestable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of "A Sense of Humour and Verbal Play: Correlation and Gauge"?
The main topic explores the concept of a sense of humour, its definition, and its correlation with intelligence and verbal play. It also delves into the challenges of gauging a person's sense of humour and the various factors that influence it.
What book is the basis for the study in the text?
The study is based on humorous passages from Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Big Country."
What are some of the stylistic devices used in Bill Bryson's writing, according to the text?
The predominant stylistic devices used are irony, sarcasm, hyperbole, and understatement. Paradoxical statements are also employed.
What topics are frequently subject to humour in Bryson's "Notes from a Big Country"?
The text mentions that topics particularly full of punning include taxation, car-hire, computers, the American sense of humour, junk food, and Americans’ intellect and mentality.
What is the author's (Bill Bryson's) intention in using humour?
The author intends to facetiously treat serious and critical aspects of American life. The text highlights that his aim isn't only to mock Americans but to highlight prescriptions he is reluctant to follow, despite acknowledging some of them are sensible.
What makes the study of humour difficult?
It's hard to define humor succinctly and comprehensively. It's also difficult to pinpoint a single response indicative of the presence or absence of a sense of humour, as appreciation can manifest in various ways. Additionally, factors such as mood, temperament, and personal beliefs can influence a person's reaction.
What other factors are considered that influence a person's sense of humor?
The text says factors involved include a person's outlook on life, philosophy, religion, family history, and personal life.
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- Natalie Lavrova (Autor), 2010, A Sense of Humour and Verbal Play: Correlation and Gauge - based on the humorous passages from B. Bryson’s "Notes from a Big Country", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/153122
