Humorous Texts: a Pragmatic Analysis of Lubukusu Jokes

Abstract

This project presents the results of a linguistic study on Lubukusu jokes. The study follows the framework of Relevance Theory. What the study aimed at was to analyze Lubukusu jokes through Relevance - theoretic framework. Chapter one gives the introduction, background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives, scope and limitations, theoretical framework, literature review, methodology and conclusion. Chapter two focuses on the classification of jokes and their functions. Here the important role played by jokes was critically examined. Chapter three concentrates on Lubukusu jokes and their hidden frames of relevance. This was to establish how jokes are structured and factors that determine the elucidation of Lubukusu jokes. Chapter four tested the theory. It subjected the data to the theory and a detailed analysis provided. This was done to see whether the Relevance Theory and its tenets could adequately analyze the data. Finally, a summary of findings and recommendations was presented in chapter five.