Page 120 - The Language of Humour

STAND-UP COMEDY 107
Afterword
The aim of this book has been to of fer a framework of analysis that can
be applied to any example of humour in spoken or written language.
Although a range of genres have been examined, only a few examples
have been chosen from each and these examples have reflected the
experience of the author. It should be possible to choose any humorous
language data and conduct your own analysis using the approach
suggested in the book. Try to find examples of current humour, whose
appeal will probably lie in the innovative approach. Or look at genres
that have not been covered: graff iti, strip cartoons, songs…
Much of the book has concentrated on humour in its social context.
It’s also important at a fundamental, personal level: as a way of bonding
with friends, of coping with problems—‘You’ve got to laugh, haven’t
you?’—and of making sense of a world which sometimes seems to lack
any. Spike Milligan was once asked about the comedy he writes: ‘What
were you trying to say?’ He replied: ‘Me.’ (Pause) ‘It was me coming
out.’