Comparative analysis of English and American humor in literary discourse

Abstract

The article studies humor as a type of comic in the literary discourse. The composition of the traditional comic variety paradigm is determined, including humor, irony, satire, and sarcasm. The leading techniques and linguistic/speech means of representing and enhancing the comic effect in the literary discourse are described. The essentials of their complex description are considered. The concept of humor is analyzed as a linguistic and sociocultural phenomenon in the literary discourse. Attention is focused on investigating the peculiarities of British and American humor. The authors trace the differences between English and American humor in domestic and foreign linguistic and literary sources. The peculiarities of the linguistic criterion itself are revealed, which is essential in linguists' identification and study of humor as a kind of comic. The leading classifications of verbal means, forms, and techniques of humorous wit in the literary discourse are highlighted. Humor among the English tends to manifest itself mainly in times of personal hardship and to be largely self-directed. The most crucial feature of American humor is slang, which is peculiar only to Americans.