Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Research Methodology of the Study-1

1.3 Organization of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Definition of Humor-3

2.2 Classification of Humor-3

2.3 Overview of the Previous Studies-3

2.3.1 Classical theories -3

2.3.2 Modern linguistic theories -4

Chapter Three Theoretical Framework and Methodology-6

3.1 Brief Introduction to Grice’s Cooperative Principle-6

3.2 Violation of four maxims.-6

Chapter Four Analysis of Verbal Humor in The Big Bang Theory from the Perspective of Cooperation Principle-9

4.1 Introduction to The Big Bang Theory-9

4.2 Humor Generated by Violating the Cooperative Principle in The Big Bang Theory-9

4.2.1 Violating the Maxim of Quantity-10

4.2.2 Violating the Maxim of Quality-11

4.2.3 Violating the Maxim of Relation-12

4.2.4 Violating the Maxim of Manner-13

Chapter Five Conclusion-15

5.1 Findings-15

5.2 Limitations of Study-15

References-16

Abstract

Humor exists everywhere in human life. Most humor is created and conveyed by means of language. Researchers pay much attention on verbal humor for a long time. Sitcom is a good source for studying verbal humor.

On the basis of The Big Bang Theory, the present research analyzes the humor under the Cooperative Principle framework in order to research into the strategy that how scriptwriters produce verbal humor.

Thirty episodes are randomly downloaded from the seven-season The Big Bang Theory. The author locates each verbal humor with the help of background laughter, and divides these humors into four groups according to the four maxims of CP. Finally, it is concluded that verbal humor in TBBT is mainly by violating CP.

This thesis enriches the studies of verbal humor under the pragmatic framework. It focuses on the point how the technique of violating CP is adopted to create humor. The author hopes this thesis will be helpful to the study of the cross-cultural communication and help people master the skills of understanding and appreciating humor, thus Chinese audience can better understand the American sitcoms.

Key Words: verbal humor  The Big Bang Theory  violation  Cooperative Principle