Welcome to HELL: Humour in English Language Learning
By Assist. Prof. Hidayet TUNCAY, Director, Higher School of Foreign Languages, Istanbul Arel University
Abstract:
Humour means understanding not only the language and words but their use, meaning, subtle nuances, the underlying culture, implications and unwritten messages. Humour does not often travel well from one culture to another, as each society has a somewhat different concept of what is funny (Dobson, 1987). In Foreign Language Learning (FLL), the ability to understand humour has been one of the parameters that helps us find out about learners’ comprehension in both oral and written language.
In this article, the lighter side of English Language Teaching (ELT) is covered. The study is based on how huomur can facilitate L2 learning. The foucus is on the survey done on the selected jokes classified under three headings, culture-based, language-oriented and meaning-based. Some exercises with jokes will also be examplified. The results of a research survey is discussed. A list of limitations and drawbacks is presented. The use of jokes is dealt with in regard to learners as well as teachers, to enhance in-class activties.
Key words: humour, jokes in ELT, communication skills
To access the full paper, please visit: http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal
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