Open AccessA Contrastive Analysis of Chinese Humor and English Humor in Intercultural Communication
Author(s) -
Sha Zhu
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
theory and practice in language studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2053-0692
pISSN - 1799-2591
DOI - 10.17507/tpls.0912.17
Subject(s) - interpersonal communication , psychology , ambiguity , expression (computer science) , intercultural communication , humor research , china , cross cultural communication , linguistics , social psychology , communication , computer science , history , philosophy , archaeology , programming language
Humor plays an important role in daily life and also quite useful in interpersonal communication. Nowadays, the cross-cultural communication between the English-speaking countries and China becomes more and more frequent while some humor is difficult to appreciate with diverse cultural backgrounds. Therefore, this paper aims at analyzing the Chinese and English humor from their similarities, like the use of ambiguity and figure of speech, as well as differences, especially in functions, topics and ways of expression. Related causes are further discussed the differences. Hopefully, the findings will help to reduce the obstacles in understanding humor in different culture and promote transcultural communication in a delightful manner.