Understanding Humor through Communication: Why Be Funny, Anyway? [Paperback]

Understanding Humor through Communication explores theories of humor origin as well as humor functions in human groups and societies through communication. A model of humor decision by individuals is detailed, followed by humors emergence in communication. Elements of humor sources (incongruity, superiority, and relief), humor intent (comic or tragic perspectives), and humor perception (ego-involvement, script awareness, bona-fide messages, and non-bona-fide messages) are incorporated. Persuasive, organizational, and interpersonal settings involving humor are explored in depth to consider its functions. The individual choice to experience humor is detailed in its effects, as are the social implications of widespread humor desired and invoked in human society. Understanding Humor through Communication will appeal to scholars of communication, psychology, and sociology.John C. Meyer is professor of communication studies at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Meyer presents a brief, accessible discussion of the role humor plays in communication as defined by the various humor theories. Relief, superiority, and incongruity each make a rather different but related statement about the basic messages of opinion and emotion. The resulting laughter can be affiliating and bonding or aggressive and divisivethat is, the laughter can be 'with' or 'at.' As a result, where humor might be expected to always have a positive effect and open up new avenues of understanding and agreement, it may alienate and block change. If the recipient takes a serious rather than a playful approach, personal relations, organizations, and even cultures may be taken as silly and suffer a negative impact. By contrast, a positive, playful attitude can lead to a warm, close interaction resulting in pleasure and friendship. That is the answer to the question the author poses, 'Why be funny, anyway' Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. Choil#$