Much of today's communication is carried out through various kinds of humor, and we therefore need to be able to understand its many aspects. Here, two of the world's leading pioneers in humor studies, Alleen and Don Nilsen, explore how humor can be explained across the numerous sub-disciplines of linguistics. Drawing on examples from language play and jokes in a range of real-life contexts, such as art, business, marketing, comedy, creative writing, science, journalism and politics, the authors use their own theory of 'Features, functions and subjects of Humor' to analyze humor across all disciplines. Each highly accessible chapter uses a rich array of examples to stimulate discussion and interaction even in large classes. Supplemental PowerPoints to accompany each of the 25 chapters are available online, taking many of the insights from the chapters for further interactional discussions with students.
- The book is highly accessible by readers from multiple disciplines, jargon and niche terminology is kept to a minimum
- Each chapter includes supplementary material, available online, to illicit further in-class discussion and help teachers to prepare for their classes
- Offers countless examples that involve, amuse and inspire students
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Awards
- Winner, 2019 National Book Award, Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor
Reviews & endorsements
'A hilarious romp through a cornucopia of examples on a dizzying variety of subjects. Quintessential Nilsens' work!' Salvatore Attardo, Texas A & M University
'… a must read for any of us in humor studies, English, and several other disciplines … the perfect complement to the former papers on each of the topics covered, all gathered in one readable and clearly written volume. The field of humor research is, as always, greatly enhanced by the Nilsens, and no library would be complete without their newest compilation.' Joyce M. Saltman, Professor Emeritus, Southern Connecticut State University
'… it is a very interesting and concise reading … it is an essential reading for everyone who wants to gain a general perspective on humorous issues in important areas of human activity.' Roula Saltidou, The European Journal of Humour Research
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Product details
- Date Published: November 2018
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9781108403962
- length: 402 pages
- dimensions: 228 x 152 x 22 mm
- weight: 0.61kg
- availability: In stock
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and overview
2. Humor in anthropology
3. Humor and art
4. Humor and Business
5. Humor and computer science
6. Humor and education
7. Humor and gender studies
8. Humor and geography
9. Humor and gerontology
10. Humor and history
11. Humor and journalism
12. Humor and law
13. Humor and linguistics
14. Humor and literature
15. Humor in medicine and health
16. Humor and music
17. Humor in names and naming
18. Humor in the performing arts
19. Humor and philosophy
20. Humor in physical education and sports
21. Humor and politics
22. Humor and psychology
23 Humor and religion
24. Humor in rhetoric and composition
25. Humor and sociology
Conclusion.
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The Language of Humor

Don L. F. Nilsen, Alleen Pace Nilsen
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Authors
Don L. F. Nilsen, Arizona State University
Don L. F. Nilsen is in the Humanities Division of Arizona State University's Emeritus College. Together with Alleen Pace Nilsen, he has authored an abundance of books including Literature for Today's Young Adults (2012), Pronunciation Contrasts in English (2010) and Encyclopedia of 20th-Century American Humor (2000). He is one of the leading pioneers in humor studies, and has received a lifetime achievement award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and the International Society for Humor Studies.
Alleen Pace Nilsen, Arizona State University
Alleen Pace Nilsen is in the Humanities Division of Arizona State University's Emeritus College. Together with Don L. F. Nilsen, she has authored an abundance of books including Literature for Today's Young Adults (2012), Pronunciation Contrasts in English (2010) and Encyclopedia of 20th-Century American Humor (2000). She is one of the leading pioneers in humor studies, and has received a lifetime achievement award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and the International Society for Humor Studies.
Awards
- Winner, 2019 National Book Award, Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor