Abstract:This thesis is intended to investigate the differences of topics and vehicles in Chinese and American humor. Examples are all quoted from two sitcoms: My Own Swordsman and Friends. The first part of the thesis introduces the research purpose and the structure; the second presents a literature review; the third explores in detail the main characters, the differences of humorous topics and vehicles; the forth part is a conclusion in which the author points out the reasons for the differences and suggestions for the promotion of Chinese sitcoms in USA and other countries from the perspective of humor topics and vehicles.

Key words: Chinese and American humor; humorous topics; humorous vehicles

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Literature Review...1

3. Difference of Humor in My Own Swordsman and Friends....2

3.1 Humor in My Own Swordsman

3.1.1 Main characters

3.1.2 Humorous Topics

3.1.3 Humorous Vehicles

3.2 Humor in Friends.6

3.2.1 Main Characters

3.2.2 Humorous Topics

3.2.3 Humorous Vehicles

4. Conclusion..9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements..12