In this paper, I would like to bring this human characteristic in the realm of language and linguistic analysis, dissecting hidden discourses and meaning found in texts which creates humor. In this sense, to be more specific, I would like to attempt telescoping various explicit and implicit elements of linguistic structures found in the texts using a print medium, in particular, a comic strip Nemi. The following discussions will cover various concept indicators primarily used in language in order to give light to the whole of the project.
Table of Contents
I. Pragmatism in Language
II. The Role of Meaning
III. Politeness and Impoliteness: Relevance in Humor
IV. The socio-political analysis on Nemi
V. Historical Background of the Character
VI. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this paper is to conduct a linguistic and pragmatic analysis of the Norwegian comic strip "Nemi" to understand how language structures, social dynamics, and discourse elements function to create humorous scenarios. The study investigates how Nemi’s character, characterized by her distinct personality and occasional impoliteness, serves as an agent for humor within various cultural and social contexts.
- Application of pragmatic theory and linguistic analysis to comic strip discourse.
- Exploration of politeness and impoliteness as mechanisms for humor.
- Socio-political analysis of the character Nemi and gender issues in humor.
- Investigation of cognitive linguistic notions such as construal, metonymy, and metaphor in visual narratives.
Excerpt from the Book
Pragmatism in Language
The whole concept of pragmatism if taken seriously will give us a lengthy discussion. Many pragmatists formulated various definition and interpretation of the subject, depending on the suitability to their own theories and principles. Still, even proponents of the same doctrine manifested critical examination on the core concepts and principles of such theory.
On this level, let us keep our mind in a simple definition of the principle of pragmatic theory, that is, a doctrine which adheres to propose principles which are relevant and useful in the process of developing and restructuring social fields and networks.
According to Margolis (2002) the corpus of the language is found in the interaction and communication between individuals in the social setting. Their interrelationship maintains the language and vice-versa. This means, no interrelationship occurs in the absence of language and language will not be useful unless communication and interrelationship between individuals are present.
In my point of view, language, actually, manifests pragmatic contributions to society. The simple utterances of words delivered by individuals in relating to others inferred pragmatic tones. Yet, in this relation, I would like to deepen the analysis by using formal approaches which help us to reveal pragmatism in language.
Summary of Chapters
I. Pragmatism in Language: This chapter introduces the theoretical foundation of pragmatism, focusing on how language functions within social interactions to facilitate communication.
II. The Role of Meaning: This section examines the importance of explicit and implicit meanings in interpreting humor, noting how cultural nuances impact the perception of comic strips.
III. Politeness and Impoliteness: Relevance in Humor: The chapter explores how social interaction rules—specifically politeness and its negation—are employed as essential ingredients in constructing humorous scenarios.
IV. The socio-political analysis on Nemi: This part analyzes Nemi as a cultural figure who challenges societal norms, particularly regarding femininity and the historical gender-based restrictions on humor.
V. Historical Background of the Character: This chapter contextualizes Nemi’s character within her Norwegian environment, discussing her "outsider status" and how linguistic constructions reflect her social position.
VI. Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes the study, confirming that linguistic and pragmatic analysis reveals how comic strips function as complex tools for social commentary and humor.
Keywords
Pragmatics, Humor, Nemi, Linguistics, Discourse Analysis, Comic Strips, Politeness, Impoliteness, Social Interaction, Gender Issues, Semantics, Metaphor, Metonymy, Cognitive Linguistics, Lise Myhre
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
The work provides a linguistic and pragmatic analysis of the Norwegian comic strip Nemi to understand how it produces humor.
What are the central thematic fields discussed?
The study covers themes such as language and social interaction, the role of politeness in humor, gender politics, and the construction of meaning in comic narratives.
What is the core research objective?
The aim is to dissect the hidden discourses, syntactic positions, and semantic formations in Nemi comic strips that enable their humorous effect.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses linguistic-analytic methods, incorporating pragmatic theories, cognitive linguistic concepts, and sociolinguistic perspectives.
What is addressed in the main body of the text?
The main body systematically analyzes selected Nemi strips using theories of pragmatism, politeness, and gender, while also examining the character's socio-political context.
What are the key concepts characterizing the research?
Key concepts include pragmatic tones, incongruity-resolution, conceptual metaphor, metonymy, and the societal role of impolite discourse.
How does Nemi's "outsider status" influence the humor in the comic?
The author argues that Nemi’s status as an outsider in Norwegian society is utilized to create humor through linguistic constructions that defy traditional social norms.
What role do facial expressions play in the author's analysis?
The author considers facial expressions as essential visual cues that interact with the provided text to reveal the characters' inner thoughts and reactions, often reinforcing or contradicting the verbal message.
- Quote paper
- MA Marcio Hemerique Pereira (Author), 2009, Humor in Comic Strips: A pragmatic Analysis of "Nemi", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/154123
