An Analysis of Lexical Creativity and Humor in English Web-based Gag Cartoons

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Parnkamon Singsatit
Wareesiri Singhasiri

Abstract

Language play is an essential tool to carry out humor in gag cartoons, especially lexical creativity (Blake, 2007).  This study aimed to find types of lexical creativity and techniques of humor used in English web-based gag cartoons.  Ninety English web-based gag cartoons were used in the study.  The frameworks of Berger (1993), Kenny (2001), and Zabir and Haroon (2021) were employed to analyze the results and implications for the relationship between lexical creativity and techniques of humor.  The findings showed that blending and creative orthography were used the most as lexical creativity.  As for techniques of humor, definition and literalness were most commonly employed.  There were relationships between lexical creativity and techniques of humor.  They imply that the writer’s intention to convey humor is an important factor in occasional relationships between lexical creativity and techniques of humor.  Furthermore, lexical creativity and techniques of humor in gag cartoons can be beneficial for language learning and teaching. Thus, pedagogical implications for EFL learners and instructors are also discussed.

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