Download A relevance theoretic approach to Gikuyu jokes

A relevance theoretic approach to Gikuyu
jokes
Kabiru, Dianah Wangari
2012
Abstract:
Language is a peculiar human faculty and functions as a tool for people's communication. The creation
and expression of jokes depends on language in many cases. Gikuyu jokes are filled with strong flavour.
This thesis based on the fruitful study of jokes, attempts to investigate the interpretation of Gikuyu jokes
from the perspective Relevance theory and the complimentary theory of Incongruity. The study
indicates that influenced by the cognitive tendency in the first phase of appreciation of Gikuyu jokes, the
audience construct an interpretation to the utterance and then the failure of communication. The
punchline makes them choose a new context to construct the proper interpretation. As a result, the
humour effect is realized. Incongruity is the key point of humour production. The thesis holds that
Gikuyu jokes are never produced merely for the sake of amusement but often implicitly perform some
communicative functions not achievable by explicit expressions such as criticizing and exposing evil,
counter-attacking or self-defending, attacking or ridiculing. From the study the glamour of Gikuyu
language will be greatly valued and cherished. Moreover, the study offers some guidance for readers to
appreciate Gikiyu jokes. The thesis is presented in five chapters. Chapter One gives a general framework
of the study focusing on the statement of the problem, objectives of the study, hypotheses, the
theoretical framework, literature review and methodology. Chapter Two focuses on the types of jokes
and their functions. Chapter Three covers the nature of Gikuyu jokes. Chapter Four looks at how the
theory applies to the study. The summary of findings, conclusions and recommendations are presented
in Chapter Five.