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Politeness &humor A Study of verbal humor in the TV sitcom

Bulbulay

Politeness &humor A Study of verbal humor in the TV sitcom

Bulbulay

Presented to: Prof Dr Sarwet Rasul

Presented by: Asma Iqbal Kayani

M.Phil in Linguistics , Semester II NCBA&E,

Gujrat.

Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing.

( Mark twin)

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Table of contentsTable of contents1. Abstract2. Introduction 2.1. what is a sitcom? 2.2. what is humor? 2.3. What is Bulbulay?

2.4. What is cooperative principle?3. Politeness 3.1. origins 3.2. two notions 3.3. perspectives 3.3.1. social norm view 3.3.2. conversational maxim view 3.3.3.conversational contract view 3.3.4. Brown and Levinson's Face-Saving View4. Sample for research5. Aim and objectives of the study6. Framework7. Clippings & Analysis of dialogues8. Findings9. Conclusion10. References 44

Abstract

This work is a humor study within the framework of an important pragmatic theory of cooperative principle by Grice using three dialogues in the Bulbulay ,a Pakistani sitcom ,as a case study .An attempt is made to find out that how by observing or violating the Grecian maxims the element of humor is brought into a dialogue and how sitcoms are utilizing this phenomena to win the laughter and applause of the viewers . The cooperative principle proposes four maxims in communication. When any of the four maxims is violated or flouted, misunderstanding or implicature , and thus humor might be generated. In addition to it The rhetorical techniques of humor by Berger (1995) ,some of them are also used as a framework to study humor in this sitcom . A try is made to see pragmatically and rhetorically both that how these are working to create humor and with what effect.

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IntroductionIntroduction A Situation comedy(sitcom) is a form of TV series, with

each episode having fixed actors (actresses) and similar daily scenes. Program creator and director resets the characters, locations, and time of every new episode of each week. From 1940s till now, sitcoms have been popular all over the world. The dialogue of sitcom often shows contradiction with the environment, action and common sense and hence generates humor.

Humor, especially verbal humor is the most important feature of sitcoms and also the main mechanism to proceed. As time goes by, this characteristic of sitcoms has not changed. humor is specifically divided into visual humor(by pictures and actions), and verbal humor(through funny utterances/dialogue)

Since the 90s, comedy in Pakistan has lost its place to some extent in Pakistani television. The lack of quality comedians, writers and directors have led to a serious lack of good, quality sitcoms, which families can watch together and roar with laughter. One can count the number of classy, humorous shows produced in the last decade. Most of them are limited to politics and the current situation of the country. 66

Bulbulay is a unique sitcom by ARY, The show revolves around a family of four eccentric people:

• Momo (Hina Dilpazir):Nabeel’s mother

• Mehmood Sahab (Mehmood Aslam):momo’s second husband

• Nabeel (Nabeel): jobless and Khoobsurat’s husband

• Khoobsurat (Ayesha Omar). The house is supported by Khoobsurat’ s rich father. Every

episode the household encounters a new crazy situation and comes up with even crazier solutions to get out of it. The humor is created through catchy jingle ,brilliant actors with their perfect expressions and timely dialogue delivery. 

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H.P. Grice’s Cooperative Principle and conversational maxims

Grice believes that there is a set of assumptions guiding the conduct of conversation, and these assumptions may be formulated as guidelines for efficient and effective use of language.

The CP by Grice: “Make your contribution such as required, at the stage at which

it occurs, by the accepted purpose or direction of the talk exchange in which you are engaged.” (Grice,1975:45)

Four maxims : 1. Quantity: make your contribution as informative as is

required (for the current purpose of the exchange). Do not make your contribution more informative than is required.

2. Quality: Do not say what you believe to be false. Do not say that for which you lack adequate evidence.

3. Relation: Be relevant. 4.Manner: Avoid obscurity of expression Avoid ambiguity Be brief

(avoid unnecessary prolixity). Be orderly. 88

• According to Grice (1989:29) it is, however, important to understand that the maxims are not supposed to describe how people actually talk, they merely attempt to describe a type of conversational practice that is often reasonable for us to follow. Exceptions naturally occur when ones aim is, for example, to lie, or to tell a joke or a story.

• The maxims help us to get from what is said to what is meant, from the level of expressed meaning to the level of implied meaning. Thomas (1995:63) adds that according to Grice without the assumption of the CP (cooperative principle) there is no mechanism to prompt someone to seek for another level of interpretation.

• Attardo (1994) discusses jokes and humor in the light of Grice’s Cooperative Principle. He argues that it is established that a large number of jokes present a violation of one of the four maxims composing the CP . Grice himself, who also considered irony as an example of implicature, was the first to propose that jokes violate the maxims 99

Classification of nonobservances of maxims: people sometime fail to observe the maxims, whether by

choice or not. Grice classified these non-observances into five groups:

1. flouting a maxim(to create an implicature )2. violating a maxim ( intentionally to deceive)3. infringing a maxim (imperfect linguistic performance by

children/foreigners)4. opting out a maxim,(unwillingness to cooperate)5. suspending a maxim(in funeral orations , poetry , telegrams

, jokes)

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The rhetorical techniques of humor

• In the analysis of humor, Berger (1995) suggests a rhetorical perspective and gives a list of 45 techniques out of which following two techniques will be utilized to analyze the present work data.

• 1.The techniques like exaggeration ,insult, puns and wordplay ,and misunderstanding are Language based techniques of humor”

• 2. The techniques like ignorance , mistakes and repetitions are logic based techniques of humor

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Origin of politeness

• Historically, traces of the English term ‘polite’ can be found in the 15th century. Etymologically it derives from late Medieval Latin politus meaning ‘smoothed and accomplished’. The term 'polite' was synonymous with concepts such as ‘refined’, ‘polished’ when people were concerned. In the seventeen century a polite person was defined as ‘one of refined courteous manners.

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Two notions of politeness1. first-order politeness ways in which polite behavior is perceived

and talked about by members of socio-cultural groups(i) Expressive first-order politeness is the polite intention that the

speakers manifest through speech. The use of politeness markers such as ‘please’, and such conventional formulaic expressions as ‘thank you’ are instances of expressive first-order politeness.

(ii) Classificatory first-order politeness involves the classification of behaviors as polite and impolite based on the addressee's evaluation.

(iii) Meta pragmatic first-order politeness, that is, the way people think of politeness and the way it is conceptualized in various interactional contexts.

2. second-order politeness is a theoretical construct, a term within a theory of social behavior and language usage.

(i) it attempts to develop a scientific theory of politeness. (ii) it can elaborate the functions of politeness in interaction and

provide the criteria by which im/polite behavior is distinguished. (ii) It can also present universal characteristics of politeness in

different communities.1313

perspectives on the treatment of politeness 1. The social norm view:• politeness is “seen as arising from an awareness of one’s

social obligations to the other members of the group to which one owes primary allegiance.”

• It can be a type of politeness called “discernment” i.e. “the practice of polite behavior according to social conventions”

• the social norm view consists of two factors: (i) Status conscious behavior which is realized by showing

deference and respect to others’ social rank. (ii) Moral components and decency which involves a concern

for general human dignity

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2. The conversational maxim view:

(i) Grice’s Cooperative Principle

(ii) Lakoff's two Rules of Politeness “be clear” “be polite”

Grice’s maxims 1) Don’t impose(distance and formality) 2) Give options (hesitancy) 3) Make a feel good – be friendly (equality)

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iii)Leech's Politeness Principle and Maxims of Interaction For him politeness is a facilitating factor that influences the

relation between ‘self’, by which Leech means the speaker, and ‘other’ that is the addressee and/or a third party.

(I) TACT MAXIM (in impositives and commissives)

Minimize cost to other & Maximize benefit to other](II) GENEROSITY MAXIM (in impositives and commissives) Minimize benefit to self & Maximize cost to self](III) APPROBATION MAXIM (in expressives and assertives) Minimize dispraise of other & Maximize praise of other](IV) MODESTY MAXIM (in expressives and assertives) Minimize praise of self & Maximize dispraise of self](V) AGREEMENT MAXIM (in assertives) Minimize disagreement between self and other & Maximize

agreement between self to other(VI) SYMPATHY MAXIM (in expressive) Minimize antipathy between self and other & Maximize sympathy

between self and other 1616

3.The Conversational-Contract View

• It means entering into a conversation, each party “brings an understanding of some initial set of rights and obligations that will determine, at least for preliminary stages, what the participants can expect from the others”

• These rights are based on parties’ social relationships and during the process of interaction there is always the possibility for parties to renegotiate the initial rights and obligations on which the parties have agreed.

• So politeness is “getting on with the task at hand in light of the terms and conditions of the CC”.

• This view is similar to Social Norm view in that politeness involves conforming to socially agreed codes of good behavior.

• It is different from Social Norm view because in Conversational-Contract view the rights and obligations are negotiable.

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4. Brown and Levinson's Face-Saving ViewBrown and Levinson’s work consists of two parts:(a)fundamental theory concerning the nature of ‘politeness’ and

how it functions in interaction. Brown and Levinson introduce the notion of ‘face’ i.e. the self

image of a person in a social context interactants have an interest in maintaining two types of ‘face’

during interaction: positive face is the positive and consistent image people have

of themselves, and their desire for approval. negative face is “the basic claim to territories, personal

preserves, and rights to non-distraction”

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(b)The second part is a list of ‘politeness’ strategies : ‘politeness’ is regarded as having a dual nature:‘Positive politeness’ is expressed by satisfying ‘positive face’ in two

ways: 1) by indicating similarities amongst interactants; 2) by expressing an appreciation of the interlocutor’s self-

image.‘Negative politeness’ can also be expressed in two ways: 1) by saving the interlocutor’s ‘face’ (either ‘negative’ or

‘positive’) by mitigating face threatening acts such as advice-giving and disapproval;

2) by satisfying ‘negative face’ by indicating respect for the addressee’s right not to be imposed on.

In short, politeness is expressed not only to minimize FTAs, but also to satisfy the interactants’ face regardless of whether an FTA occurs or not.

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Data for the present research• Data: Three dialogues from• Sitcom Drama: Bulbulay• Episode no.: 243• Year of : 2013 Presented by: ARY Digital (Pak)• Recording: You Tube

• Selected dialogues

• Dialogue 1: between Momo and abba g(on Phone)

• Dialogue 2: between Momo , Nabeel and Mehmood (face to face)

• Dialogue 3: between nabeel , Mehmood and abba g(face to face)

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Aim of the study

The aim of this study is to analyze verbal humor in a TV-sitcom from

two perspectives: pragmatic and rhetorical.

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Objectives of the study

Objectives of this study are to find out :Objectives of this study are to find out :

i. Are the maxims of conversation violated to create humour? ii. If they are violated, then how and by whom?iii. Does observation of these maxims also result in humor ? iv. Which maxims are mostly violated and why?v. What is the impact of observing or violating the maxims ?vi. What kinds of rhetorical techniques are used to create

humour? How are they used and by whom?

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Framework of the study The theoretical tools or frameworks employed in

this study to analyze humor are:

• Grice’s(1975) theory of cooperative principle(Four maxims)

• Berger(1995) theory of rhetorical techniques of humor(related to language and logic)

Two separate methods are tried to use because verbal humor is not the result of only the violation of maxims alone.

The pragmatic strategy used in this study is based on the claim that acts of verbal humor violate Grice’s Cooperative Principle and the four maxims of conversation: maxims of Quality, Quantity, Relevance and Manner.

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• The rhetorical strategy, on the other hand, stems from an inventory of rhetorical techniques of humour introduced by Berger (1990). Berger has divided the techniques into four categories: language, logic, identity and visually based techniques. The ones that will be taken into account in the present study are language and logic, because they all can be expressed through language and can thus create verbal humour

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Limitation of The Study

• The present study limits its data from one selected Pakistani TV sitcom “ Bulbulay” and is taking three dialogues from its episode # 243 to analyze verbal humor.

• Two frameworks pragmatic and the rhetorical devices by Berger are used to find out working of humor.

• Within politeness theoretical framework it is the cooperative principle with maxims by Grice that is applied and within Berger’s framework rhetorical devices related to linguistics and logic are utilized to analyze the verbal humor.

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Clipping dialogue #1(Momo& her Abba g)

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clip1.wlmp

Dialogue # 1(Between momo and her abba g on Dialogue # 1(Between momo and her abba g on telephone)telephone)Momo : helloAba g :helloMomo : hello , hello gAba g: o bi helloMomo: o bi ap kon hain or kan sa aur kio bol rahay hain?(three questions)Aba g: ma tera aba g bol raha hn (answer 1) Momo: abba g? hay ap kahan hain aba g?Aba g:ma station sa bol raha hn. (answer 2)Momo: Ap station sa kio bol rahay hain aba g?Aba g :Oye ma station per khara hn Momo: Tou ap kahan ja rahay hain aba g?Aba g :Oye ma ja nai raha ma a raha hn.Momo: Han tou kahan sa a rahay hain ap?Aba g :Oye ma gar a raha hn (answer 3)Momo: Thek ha aba g gar pohanch ker na phupo sa meri bat karveay

ga .ok.Aba g :Oye meri magror bachi ma teray gar a raha hn.Momo: Hain tou phir ap station per kio kharay hain.hmaray gar tou koi

train nai ati.Aba g :Phone rakh ma rikshay ma bhait ker a raha hn

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Momo : helloAba g :helloObserving maxims but the style and way of uttering this is

cause ofLaughter and humor.

Momo : hello , hello gAba g: o bi helloRepetition of “hello” is source of humor and “o bi” by abba

g is a way of insult and a show of being fed up.

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Analysis of dialogue # 1

Momo: o bi ap kon hain or kahan sa aur kio bol rahay hain?Aba g: ma tera aba g bol raha hn

• Three things are asked but only one question is replied that is true , relevant and clear but other two questions aren’t replied so quantity maxim is not observed. So it does have humorous effect which results in extended dialogue.

Momo: abba g!hy ap kahan hain aba g?Aba g:ma station sa bol raha hn. Though all maxims are observed but it creates humor as

the 2nd speaker is just answering the question on its literal level only and doesn’t tell about purpose of being there and that leads to more questions by the 1st speaker and in this way dialogue gets extended and humorous.

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Momo: Ap station sa kio bol rahay hain aba g?Abba g:Oye ma station per khara hn

• Both relevance and quantity maxims are not observed as the answer is not providing the required information and that is creating humor as in context expected answer is “main tmharay gar a raha hn” but here the answer means oye wahan khara hn is liay tou wahan sa bol raha hn) that is humorous

Mom: Tou ap kahan ja rahay hain aba g?Abba g:Oye ma ja nai raha ma a raha hn.

• Again relevance maxim is not observed as the anwer is not relevant to the question . It creates humor.

• non observation of quantity maxim is also creating humor as in context expected answer is “main tmharay gar a raha hn”

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Momo: Han tou kahan sa a rahay hain ap?Abba g: Oye ma gar a raha hn.

• non observation of quantity maxim is creating humor as in answer the word “gar” is not providing complete information(it should have been tumharay gar)

• As it is ambiguous reply so it is also not observing the manner maxim also and due to it next dialogue comes which again is a source of humor.

Momo: Thek ha aba g gar pohanch ker na phupo sa meri bat karveay ga .ok.

Abba g: Oye meri magror bachi ma teray gar a raha hn.

• The response is irrelevant as far as the request by momo is concerned so maxim of relevance is violated . but in the whole scenario it is making sense if we follow what has been there in past lines.

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• Momo: Hain tou phir ap station per kio kharay hain.hmaray gar tou koi train nai ati.

• Abba g: Phone rakh ma rikshay ma bhait ker a raha hn

Maxim of relevance is not observed as the question is an inquiry but in reply there is no answer for it but instead it informs about coming to home.

So finally Momo gets answers to her three questions but step by step because of non observation of the maxims which makes this dialogue the humorous one as a part of a whole sitcom ”Bulbulay”

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Findings from dialogue #1 in the light of objectives of the study(i)Are the maxims of conversation violated to create humour? yes(ii) If they are violated, then how and by whom? sometimes individual violation but some times two maxims are

violated at the same time . The main character momo is the cause of violation which results in further violations.

(iii) Does observation of these maxims also result in humor ? Yes , when words are taken in literal sense ,and to the point and

only relevant replies appear, then this observance too creates humor.

(iv) Which maxims are mostly violated and why? It is the Quantity maxim that is violated most of the time ,

sometimes alone and sometimes with manner or relevance maxim.

it is violated by providing less than required information.

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CONT.

it is violated by providing less than required information.(v) What is the impact of observing or violating the

maxims ? It makes the situation funny and results in humor and

extension ofdialogue.(vi) What kinds of rhetorical techniques are used to

create humour? How are they used and by whom?i. Technique of Insult by abba gii. Misunderstanding between both charactersiii. Wordplay(like station , gar)iv. Repetitions:( like hello , abba g)

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Clipping dialogue # 2Clipping dialogue # 2

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clip2.wlmp

dialogue # 2dialogue # 2Momo: Aba g..Momo: Aba g..

Mehmood: aray ma tumhara aba nai shohar hnMehmood: aray ma tumhara aba nai shohar hn

Momo: Oye , meray aba g.Momo: Oye , meray aba g.

Mehmood: Aray kia hva ha? (question )Mehmood: Aray kia hva ha? (question )

Momo: Abba gMomo: Abba g

Mehmood: Aray kia hva ha aba g ko?(question repeated)Mehmood: Aray kia hva ha aba g ko?(question repeated)

Momo: Aba g-----Momo: Aba g-----

Nabeel: Nana abbuNabeel: Nana abbu

Mehmood: Aray hva kia ha yar? (question repeated)Mehmood: Aray hva kia ha yar? (question repeated)

Nabeel: O yar mehmood sb meri man ki halat daik ker be ap poch Nabeel: O yar mehmood sb meri man ki halat daik ker be ap poch rahay rahay hain k kia hva..o meray nana abu mer gay, mer gay, mer hain k kia hva..o meray nana abu mer gay, mer gay, mer gay..ab gay..ab kia hoga? kia hoga?

Momo: Teray moun ma nakMomo: Teray moun ma nak

Mehmood: HakMehmood: Hak

Momo: Han teri nak ma hak.aba g maray nai hainMomo: Han teri nak ma hak.aba g maray nai hain

Nabeel: Han mehmood sb meray nana abu maray nai hain zahmi Nabeel: Han mehmood sb meray nana abu maray nai hain zahmi hvay hainhvay hain

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Momo: Oye habardar jo meray aba g k baray ma kahen Momo: Oye habardar jo meray aba g k baray ma kahen wo kia wo kia tou tou

Mehmood: Wo kiaMehmood: Wo kia

Momo: Wohi jo ulti hoti haMomo: Wohi jo ulti hoti ha

Mehmood: Hy hy, kaisi gandi batain kar rai ho momo tumMehmood: Hy hy, kaisi gandi batain kar rai ho momo tum

Momo: Han batain ,nai nai bat , oye habardar jo meray aba Momo: Han batain ,nai nai bat , oye habardar jo meray aba g k g k baray ma kisi na koi galat bat ki ho baray ma kisi na koi galat bat ki ho

Nabeel: Tou ap ro kio rai the? (question repeated)Nabeel: Tou ap ro kio rai the? (question repeated)

Momo: Husi mainMomo: Husi main

Nabeel: HainNabeel: Hain

Momo: Han putar teray nana abu a rahay hain(answer to Momo: Han putar teray nana abu a rahay hain(answer to question) question)

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Analysis of dialogue # 2 Analysis of dialogue # 2 Momo: Aba g.. maxim of Quantity is not observed as less information is

provided ,and at the same time manner is too flouted as just uttering ‘abba g’ is creating ambiguity

So humor is created because audience know the background situation and characters unaware of it say following lines that create humor for the audience

Mehmood: aray ma tumhara aba nai shohar hn humor is created because the person doesn’t get the real

person to whom she is referring to but his expectations about the following of maxims by others create humor and he taunts her for calling him her aba g

Momo: Oye , meray aba g.Maxim of relevance is not observed as the expected answer

to the previous line was to give an explanation but she repeats by adding “meray” that clears the situation to whom she is referring to

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Mehmood: Aray kia hva ha?A direct question that observes all maxims but the tone and situation make it humorous stillMomo: Abba gAgain quantity and manner maxims violated. maxim of relevance is also not observed as there is no answer to the asked question.Mehmood: Aray hva kia ha yar? Again question but aray and yar indicate his curiosity and comment on not getting the exact answer. So funny situation is that one is in need of knowing the real situation but the other is just uttering ambiguous words Nabeel: O yar mehmood sb meri man ki halat daik ker be ap poch rahay hain k kia hva..o meray nana abu mer gay, mer gay, mer gay..ab kia hoga? Quality maxim is not observed as character is supposing on his own behalf the matter without any confirmation. the audience roars with laughter as they know the reality . Moreover, the repetition of certain phrase “mer gay” is also a source of laughter. Last line “ab kia ho ga” is uttered to show his concern about the tragic seriousness of the situation and to sympathize with his mother but that will be taken how by Momo is very humorous.

Momo: Teray moun ma nakMaxim of Manner is flouted as moun ma nak is unclear term and it

amuses the viewer a lot as Momo is a typical character whose use of such ambiguous wording is a routine source of humor

Mehmood: Hak(Quantity maxim is flouted as he doesn’t say “teray moun ma

hak” to correct her, just as in routine in each dialogue he corrects her by giving the right word only)

Momo: Han teri nak ma hak.aba g maray nai hain As usual she accepts the right word and corrects her by putting

it in wrong order and again produces a funny dialogue. In her second

utterance she corrects Nabeel but still she hasn’t answered the question put by Mahmood about what happened to her abba g . so quantity maxim is not observed here. 4040

Nabeel: Han mehmood sb meray nana abu maray nai hain zahmi hvay hain

(Nabeel’s second try to guess is again a violation of the maxim of quality as he has no authentic proof to say that and audience again smile on his expected insult by momo)

Momo: Oye habardar jo meray aba g k baray ma kahen wo kia tou

(maxim of manner is flouted as her “wo” is unclear but audience know mehmood will be there to find it out for them so more humor is expected)

Mehmood: Wo kia?Observing the maxims but way of asking makes it comic)Momo: Wohi jo ulti hoti haAgain non observance of manner as unclear it is. 4141

Mehmood: Hy hy, kaisi gandi batain kar rai ho momo tum(Momo’s use of certain double meaning words creates

misunderstanding and that is cause of humor too. here too mehmood is creating such situation)

Momo: Han batain ,nai nai bat , oye habardar jo meray aba g k baray ma kisi na koi galat bat ki ho

Momo gets the word from mehmood’s utterance and completes her message now that is nonobservance of manner maxim

Nabeel: Tou ap ro kio rai the? Instead of excusing in response or promising not to say bad

about her father he doesn’t observe relevance maxim in immediate context but in broader context of the dialogue ,he puts a direct question and observes maxims of manner , quality and relevance.

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Momo: Husi main(Non observance of quantity and manner maxim as complete

answer is not given yet)Nabeel: Hain(maxim of quantity and manner is flouted as instead of

asking” kaisi husi” his expression shows surprise on her weeping and also in a sense a request to tell the reason)

Momo: Han putar teray nana abu a rahay hainFinally at the end of dialogue the initial question asked by

Mehmood is responded .here she is observing the quality and quantity maxims but it is still creating humor.

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Findings from dialogue #2 in the light of objectives of the study

(i)Are the maxims of conversation violated to create humour? yes(ii) If they are violated, then how and by whom? sometimes individual violation but some times two maxims are

violated at the same time . The main character momo is the cause of violation which results in further violations . mehmood and nabeel too violate certain maxims.

(iii) Does observation of these maxims also result in humor ? Yes , when dialogues and utterances are taken in literal sense (as

mehmood takes momo’s aba g addressed to him),that creates misunderstandings, then this observance and expectation of the observance by some characters too creates humor.

(iv) Which maxims are mostly violated and why? It is the Quality maxim that is violated the most in this dialogue

(as nabeel without confirmation announces the death or injury of his nana abu)

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Quantity maxim is too violated by momo when she provides less than needed information and that results in unclear terms and ambiguity which surely leads to violation of manner maxim.

(v) What is the impact of observing or violating the maxims ?

It makes the situation funny and results in humor and extension of

dialogue. It leads to certain misunderstandings also.(vi) What kinds of rhetorical techniques are used to

create humour? How are they used and by whom?i. Technique of repetition by momo(aba g, meray aba g)ii. Technique of repetition by Nabeel(mer gay , mer gay , mer

gay)iii.Misunderstanding between charactersiv.Wordplay(like hak , nak)v. Insult and threat ( momo to Nabeel ‘oye habardar) 4545

Clipping dialogue # 3

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clip3.wlmp

Dialogue # 3 between Nabeel ,Nana abu and Mehmood

Nabeel: O nana abu ap na roza kio nai rakha?Nana abu: La vae rozay sa yad aya aik dafa na ma rozay main

dangal laryaMehmood: Apka roza tha?Nana abu : O nai oye mera nai dojay pehlwan ka roza thaNabeel: PhirrrNana abu: Puttar mosam bara acha tha ,haliki halki thand thi

,bray waday medan ma pora pind he akhata tha Mehmood: Phir kia hva aba g?Nana abu: Ma apnay scooter tu utarya ,samnay wala pehlwan

apni cycle tu utarya. unhain apnay jism tay mitti mali ay

Nabeel: HainnNana abu: Tay main fir gusay witch a gea ma mitti mali naiMehmood: Ap na moun per mal li

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• Nana abu: La vae ma unho ainj ker k sher di akh nal vekhea tay unain menu billi di akh nal vekhea

• Nabeel: Nana abu wo sath billi b laya tha

• Nana abu: (talking to nabeel)O chup ker oye, (referring to mehmood who has t his taken head in

his hands)o kina jhom ria ay.mazadar wakea hovay tay bohat he mazay anday na samnay walay nu..fir ma pae kori,ma unho kori paye tay o do kadam pechay hatya,ma akhea o gina marzi pechay hatt,main tenu nai chadna,ma unhon ainj ker k phutti ker k maran lae agay wadea ,utu magrib oye ha, o apnay gar wal nathea,tay lo vae dangal aik wari fir

cancell.

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Nabeel: O nana abu ap na roza kio nai rakha? (observing maxims as it is a direct question but it is

humorous because of “o” used by Nabeel as it shows he is tired of his nana abu)

Nana abu: La vae rozay sa yad aya aik dafa na ma rozay main dangal larya

(Non observance of relevance maxim as the question asked is not replied .manner maxim is also violated as its ambiguous “razay ma kon tha”. Quantity maxim is too violated as full information is not provided that results in following inquiry by mehmood )

Mehmood: Apka roza tha?(instead of saying phir to let nana abu continue with his narration

he asks a question but there is irony in his tone that appears to be saying “ ap aur roza” that creates humor. Both manner and relevance are violated)

Nana abu : O nai oye mera nai dojay pehlwan ka roza thaQuality maxim is observed but Quantity isn’t observed as more

than required is said. Just “nai” was enough but he tells k dojay pehalwan ka tha.

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• Nabeel: PhirrrNabeel: Phirrr

• ( a link word used to respond and give feedback but at the same ( a link word used to respond and give feedback but at the same time time ironicironic and humorous in the sense that they are bored and and humorous in the sense that they are bored and listening to him just to please him. So tone and the way the listening to him just to please him. So tone and the way the utterance is performed in the context is humorous)utterance is performed in the context is humorous)

• Nana abu: Puttar mosam bara acha tha ,haliki halki thand thi Nana abu: Puttar mosam bara acha tha ,haliki halki thand thi ,bray waday medan ma pora pind he akhata tha,bray waday medan ma pora pind he akhata tha

• (instead of coming to the point directly he is giving details that is a (instead of coming to the point directly he is giving details that is a violation of violation of quantity maxim quantity maxim and element of exaggeration can and element of exaggeration can also be noticed as a rhetorical technique here creating humor . also be noticed as a rhetorical technique here creating humor . maxim of maxim of mannermanner is also violated as he isn’t brief) is also violated as he isn’t brief)

• Mehmood: Phir kia hva aba g?Mehmood: Phir kia hva aba g?

Violation of Violation of relevance relevance as instead of applauding or commenting as instead of applauding or commenting on that all he asks another question to reach to the end of story)on that all he asks another question to reach to the end of story)

• Nana abu: Ma apnay scooter tu utarya ,samnay wala pehlwan Nana abu: Ma apnay scooter tu utarya ,samnay wala pehlwan apni cycle tu utarya. Unhain apnay jism tay mitti mali ayapni cycle tu utarya. Unhain apnay jism tay mitti mali ay

Shift to another language/dialect Shift to another language/dialect is source of humor here. is source of humor here. Quantity Quantity maxim is violated as more than needed information is maxim is violated as more than needed information is given . element of exaggeration and self recommendation as given . element of exaggeration and self recommendation as rhetoric techniques are also present.rhetoric techniques are also present.

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• Nabeel: Hainn

• (A stereotype remark by a typical character that is repeated in a dialogue for a number of times to create humor)

• Nana abu : Tay main fir gusay witch a gea ma mitti mali nai

• (self praise is there and quantity maxim is violated as complete information hasn’t come yet)

• Mehmood : App na moun per mal li ?

• Insulting remark in form of question that results in humorous situation as on one side the other two characters are shown(not the viewers) to be fed up from this detailed description and on the other the speaker ‘nana abu” isn’t feeling it and is going on violating maxims and creating humor.

• Nana abu: La vae ma unho ainj ker k sher di akh nal vekhea tay unain menu billi di akh nal vekhea

• A roar of laughter as he is violating maxim of relevance and instead of replying Mehmood’ s question ,he is going on with his own story and here self praise and exaggeration are also the rhetorical techniques used to heighten the effect of humor.

• Nabeel: Nana abu wo sath billi b laya tha

• (an example of pun and wordplay and violation of relevance too)5151

• Nana abu: (talking to Nabeel) O chup ker oye, (referring to mehmood who has taken his head in his

hands)o kina jhom ria ay.mazaydar wakea hovay tay bohat he mazay anday na samnay walay nu..fir ma pae kori,ma unho kori paye tay o do kadam pechay hatya,ma akhea o gina marzi pechay hatt,main tenu nai chadna,ma unhon ainj ker k phutti ker k maran lae agay wadea ,utu magrib oye ha,o apnay gar wal nathea,tay lo vae dangal aik wari fir cancell.

• (relevance maxim not observed as Nab eel's question isn’t answered and insult is the rhetoric tool to create humor . Quality maxim is violated as without knowing the fact he asserts that Mehmood is enjoying his story that is in fact contrary to facts . Quantity maxim is violated as more then socially appropriate information is given. Self praise is prominent. Repetition of “fir ma pae kori and its reversal is humorous. Exaggeration and the awaited end brings roars of laughter as it is trivial as compared to the details given in the so detailed and exaggerated description.

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(i)Are the maxims of conversation violated to create humour? yes, the prominent one is of quantity(ii) If they are violated, then how and by whom? sometimes individual violation but some times two maxims are

violated at the same time .The main character here nana abu is the cause of violation which results in further violations . mehmood and nabeel too violate certain maxims.

(iii) Does observation of these maxims also result in humor ? no as if there is observation of one maxim, then there is violation

of some other maxim at the same time so this mixture gives a humorous touch to the dialogue.

(iv) Which maxims are mostly violated and why? It is the Quantity maxim with the relevance maxim that is violated

the most in this dialogue (as nana abu’s lines in this dialogue are a proof to it)

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(v) What is the impact of observing or violating the maxims ?

It makes the situation funny and results in humor and extension of

dialogue. The characters are shown to be bored while providing a full chance for viewers to laugh.

(vi) What kinds of rhetorical techniques are used to create humour? How are they used and by whom?

i. Repetition of “fir ma pae kori and its reversal is humorous by nana abu

ii. Irony and exaggeration(narration of dangal)iii.Self praise(nana Abu's)iv.Insult (by mehmood)v. Code mixing(shift to Punjabi by nana abu) 5454

Some interesting findingsSome interesting findings More than one maxim can be violated in one utterance at the

same time. In one utterance if one maxim is violated ,the other can be

observed. Violation of maxims results in humor but observing the maxims

in some situations too creates humor. Only maxims aren’t a source of humor but many other elements

are also involved in the creation of humor in a sitcom. The maxims are clearly connected to each other . All of the

maxims can be violated individually, but some of them frequently co-occur.

Quality and Manner are such a pair; they are often violated simultaneously.

the violations of the maxim of Quantity are usually tied to the violation of the maxim of Manner, and this happens when a character either says too much, or remains obscure and does not say enough.

In addition, the maxims of relevance and Quantity also often seem to overlap and co-occur

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THE RELATION BETWEEN THE PRAGMATIC AND THE RHETORICAL STRATEGIES 1. The rhetorical strategies of humor are linked with Grecian’s

maxims because:

• they together are able to bring forward a more coherent picture of the humor in such sitcoms.

• Due to the different nature of the 4 maxims, they co-occur with certain rhetorical techniques in the sitcom

• The violation of the maxim of Quality co-occurs with ignorance, insult and exaggeration

• The violation of Quantity occurs together with exaggeration , self praise and mistake.

2. There are some cases where no violation of the maxims can be detected but still humor is there and that is because of rhetorical strategies.

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The rhetorical techniques of humor used to create humor in this sitcom are:

The language-based technique s :a) wittiness,b) Insults, c) Exaggeration, d) forms of wordplay

The techniques of logic :a)Mistakes (caused by bad judgment , lack of knowledge or sheer

stupidity)b) Ignorancec) Repetitions and reversals

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conclusionconclusion Humor can be created through :a. Violating maximsb. Observing maxims Observation and violation of maxims results in:a. Humorb. Extension of dialogues Maxims in dialogues overlap each other and there are

problems to identify these. Though maxims are violated yet the characters are co

operative as the story goes on with a lot of humor. The rhetorical devices like wittiness, Insults, Exaggeration,

wordplay Mistakes ,Ignorance ,repetitions are also in use to create

humor. Knowing maxims and rhetorical devices can be helpful to

create , understand and enjoy a sitcom by observing and violating the maxims.

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Not only dialogues but characters ,their actions ,expressions and their style(of dressing , talking , walking) all contribute to make this sitcom a humorous one.

Based on this study it can be stated that the humor in this sitcom is based on intentional misuse of language, and the main strategies have been violations of the maxims , as well as, for example, insults, exaggeration , ignorance.

This analysis is hoped to help with people’s appreciation as well as creation of humor.

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REFERENCES

Attardo, S. ( 1994) Linguistic Theories of Humor. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.

Berger, A. A. (1995) Blind Men and Elephants Perspectives on Humor. New Brunswick: Transaction Publishers.

Grice, H.P. (1975). Logic and Conversation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Thomas, J. (1995) Meaning in Interaction: an Introduction to Pragmatics.

London : Longman

Lectures delivered by Prof Dr Sarwat Rasulwww.google.com

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THANK YOU ALL6161