Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika –
Зарубежная лингвистика и
лингводидактика – Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
The value of humour in cross-cultural communication
Kamola ZIYAYEVA
1
Tashkent State University of Economics
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received September 2024
Received in revised form
10 October 2024
Accepted 25 October 2024
Available online
25 November 2024
In an era of increasingly dynamic international relations, the
study of humor as a linguistic and cultural phenomenon has
gained significant importance. Humor is often seen as a reflection
of cultural identity, yet understanding its nuances requires more
than mere language proficiency. Misinterpretations of jokes can
lead to communication barriers or even conflicts. This article
examines key features of Uzbek and English cultures and
explores how these cultural traits shape their respective humor.
Furthermore, the study delves into the role and significance of
humor in online communication, highlighting its growing
influence in the digital age. By analyzing cultural and linguistic
aspects, the article aims to shed light on the complexities of
cross-cultural humor and its implications for effective dialogue
in a globalized world.
2181-3701/© 2024 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss5
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
Humor,
didactic,
semantic,
pragmatic,
cognitive framework,
fundamental principles,
the mechanics of humor,
positive connotation,
anecdotes,
satire.
Madaniyatlararo muloqotda yumorning ahamiyati
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar:
xutor,
didaktik,
semantik,
pragmatist,
kognitiv asos,
fundamental tamoyillar,
xutor mexanikasi,
ijobiy ma’no,
latifalar,
satira.
Xalqaro munosabatlar tobora rivojlanib borayotgan davrda
hazilni lingvistik va madaniy hodisa sifatida o‘rganish katta
ahamiyatga ega hisoblanadi. Hazil ko‘pincha madaniy o‘ziga
xoslikning ifodasi sifatida qaralib, ammo uning o‘ziga xos
xususiyatlarini tushunish oddiy tilni bilishdan ko‘ra
ko‘prog‘ini talab etadi. Hazillarni noto‘g‘ri talqin qilish o‘zaro
munosabatlardagi to‘siqlariga va hatto nizolarga sabab bo‘lishi
mumkin. Ushbu maqola o‘zbek va ingliz madaniyatlarining
asosiy xususiyatlarini ko‘rib chiqadi va bu madaniy xususiyatlar
ularning hazil-mutoyibasini qanday shakllantirishini o‘rganadi.
Bundan tashqari, tadqiqot onlayn muloqotda hazilning o‘rni va
ahamiyatini bayon qiladi va raqamli asrda uning o‘sib
1
Teacher, Tashkent State University of Economics. E-mail: ziyayevakamola1011@gmail.com
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
245
borayotgan ta’sirini tushuntiradi. Madaniy va lingvistik jihatlarni
tahlil qilish orqali maqola madaniyatlararo hazilning
murakkabliklarini va uning globallashgan dunyoda samarali
muloqotga ta’sirini yoritishga qaratilgan.
Ценность юмора в межкультурной коммуникации
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
юмор,
дидактический,
смысловой,
прагматический,
когнитивный каркас,
фундаментальные
принципы,
механика юмора,
позитивный оттенок,
анекдоты,
сатира.
В эпоху все более динамичных международных
отношений изучение юмора как лингвистического и
культурного феномена приобрело важное значение. Юмор
часто рассматривается как отражение культурной
самобытности, однако понимание его нюансов требует
большего, чем просто знание языка. Неправильная
интерпретация шуток может привести к коммуникативным
барьерам или даже конфликтам. В статье рассматриваются
ключевые особенности узбекской и английской культур и
исследуется, как эти культурные особенности формируют
соответствующий юмор. Кроме того, исследование
углубляется в роль и значение юмора в онлайн-общении,
подчеркивая его растущее влияние в эпоху цифровых
технологий. Анализируя культурные и лингвистические
аспекты, статья призвана пролить свет на сложности
межкультурного юмора и его значение для эффективного
диалога в глобализированном мире.
Humor serves as a universal phenomenon while simultaneously emdiving distinct
characteristics specific to individual nations. It is examined through various lenses,
including cultural, didactic, semantic, pragmatic, and others. Among these, the cultural
dimension is paramount, as it encompasses the realities of the environments in which
individuals reside.
To analyze jokes within the sphere of linguistic culture, a multidisciplinary approach
is essential. Comparative analysis allows for the identification of cultural nuances by
examining similarities and differences in humor across various linguistic traditions.
Discourse analysis further enriches this study by focusing on the context in which jokes
are delivered, exploring pragmatic elements such as tone, intent, and audience reactions.
Semantic and pragmatic analysis provides insights into the linguistic mechanisms behind
humor, including wordplay and idiomatic expressions, while cultural semiotics uncovers
the deeper meanings of symbols and references embedded in jokes. Cognitive linguistics
explores the mental frameworks and conceptual structures shaping humor perception
across cultures. Additionally, ethnographic methods offer a contextual understanding of
how humor operates within specific communities, highlighting its social functions. Finally,
sociolinguistic and corpus analysis reveal patterns influenced by social variables and
large-scale linguistic data, providing a robust foundation for understanding humor's role
in cultural identity and communication.
Each nation possesses unique aspects of life, values, and worldviews that hold
particular significance. Given the fundamentally different cognitive frameworks of the
Uzbek and English peoples, comprehending their respective approaches to humor
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
246
necessitates careful analysis. It is often observed that many Uzbeks, upon encountering
English humor, may not perceive it as amusing and might even find it perplexing. This has
led to a widespread belief that English jokes lack humor. Consequently, linguists are tasked
with the challenge of effectively conveying the essence of these jokes, ensuring that the
humor is appreciated even by those who are not well-versed in English cultural contexts.
Humor has been recognized as a focal point of inquiry by various experts in
linguistics. It has become a significant subject of study across sociological, academic,
psychological, and other fields. Researchers who have analyzed the content and language
of humor have developed a descriptive framework and definition for it. To address
pertinent questions within the study of linguistic humor, scholars have categorized both
the internal and external aspects of verbal humor, including:
– Fundamental principles of jokes
– The mechanics of humor
– Characteristics that ensure the effectiveness of jokes
– Amusing connections between the speaker and the audience
– The personality, intellect, background of both the speaker and the audience,
among other factors.
One of the primary reasons for the importance of this subject is the increasingly
prevalent use of humor in online discussions and various social media platforms, as well
as the incorporation of diverse visual elements within content and their implications. This
evolution necessitates a thorough examination of the types of humor employed in such
contexts. It is also noteworthy that these categories are specific to online platforms and
often diverge from traditional communication norms. Regarding the nature of humor, the
dynamics of virtual communication have led to the popularization of humorous texts and
the widespread use of emoticons to convey emotions. This phenomenon may contribute to
how individuals understand one another in the realm of intercultural communication.
Humor permeates all aspects of human activity. In contemporary society, it serves
as a vital means of interaction among individuals in professional, friendly, and various
social dialogues. Additionally, it acts as an effective tool for resolving conflicts and
facilitating the exchange of ideas. Humor, which has acquired a positive connotation and
significance, can transform relationships, even with those who hold opposing views. The
ability to employ humor can significantly influence the resolution of differences.
Discussions surrounding web systems create a unified social environment globally.
In this context, the human inclination for humor prevails, leading many individuals to
engage with the internet as an entertaining tool. Creative products that carry a humorous
connotation are commonly referred to as web memes.
In contemporary socio-economic landscapes, there exists significant competition,
prompting both large corporations and small producers to adopt innovative, unique, and
captivating strategies to secure their market positions. Those operating in today's business
environment are, in a sense, fortunate to have access to the internet, which is widely
utilized by the general public. Entrepreneurs, business owners, and producers are
achieving remarkable success in this expansive and diverse arena by leveraging humor.
The advantages of the "humor" discourse category not only enhance customer mood but
can also facilitate sales processes. Consequently, the term meme-marketing has been
incorporated into the lexicon.
Web memes represent a collection of ideas, attitudes, and emotions conveyed by
their creators. The exchange of information on web pages serves to fulfill the creative
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika – Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика – Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Special Issue – 5 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
247
intent of the language, wherein the rules of language are intentionally manipulated to
conduct new experiments. This involves employing language in unconventional ways to
create a comedic effect.
The Uzbek populace has historically been characterized by a profound appreciation
for humor. This is evidenced by their engagement with jokes, anecdotes, satire, and a
general sense of curiosity. In social interactions, whether among family, friends, neighbors,
colleagues, or even unfamiliar individuals, light-hearted jokes are exchanged that maintain
respect for personal dignity. Such modest humor serves as a reflection of the distinctive
cultural identity of the Uzbek people. Current reforms underway in the nation aim to
elevate its status on the global stage. Contemporary Uzbek humor predominantly
addresses familial and societal issues, often presenting humorous resolutions to
challenges and employing critical perspectives. The rise of information technology in the
twenty-first century has also influenced the realm of humor.
A call was received at the radio station:
– Hello, is this the radio?
– Yes. Who would you like to greet?
– No one! I was merely scattering millet in the yard. I’ll turn the radio up so you
can occasionally say "kish-kish."
In summary, it is essential to recognize the significance of linguistic and cultural
analyses of humor in both English and Uzbek contexts. This analysis encompasses the
examination of how jokes are perceived in amicable exchanges among various
organizations, as well as in interactions on social media platforms. While this may initially
appear to be a minor issue, the misinterpretation of a joke – particularly one intended to
be lighthearted – can lead to a range of adverse effects within the dialogue. Therefore, it is
crucial for participants in the conversation to articulate their ideas using appropriately
chosen equivalent expressions, specifically jokes that resonate with the cultural nuances
of their respective national backgrounds.
REFERENCES:
1.
Кулинич М.А. Семантика, структура и прагматика англоязычного юмора
[Текст]: автореф. дис. …канд. д-ра филол. наук: 240004, Москва. 2000. 91 с
2.
Inside Jokes: English Language Humor From the Outside Mieka D. Strawhorn
University of San Francisco
3.
Ross, A. (1998). The Language of Jokes. London: Routledge.
4.
https://latifa.uz/
