Abstract: This paper is mainly to use Grice’s Cooperative Principle and the Politeness Principle, analyzing the pragmatic meaning of humor in The Big Bang. The author studies the Cooperative Principle from four aspects, such as the Maxim of Quality, the Maxim of Quantity, the Maxim of Manner and the Maxim of Relevance. It is proposed that verbal humor can be generated through violating these maxims intentionally or unintentionally.

Key words: The Big Bang; verbal humor; pragmatic meaning

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction..1

1.1Background of This Study

1.2Objectives and Significance of This Study

2.Literature Review...2

3.Theoretical Framework3

3.1 The Cooperative Principle

3.2 The Politeness Principle

4.Analysis of Verbal Effect from the Perspective of CP and PP4

4.1 Verbal Humor and the Deviation from the Principle of Cooperation

4.1.1 The Maxim of Quantity

4.1.2 The Maxim of Quality 

4.1.3 The Maxim of Relevance 

4.1.4 The Maxim of Manner  

4.2 Verbal Humor and the Deviation from the Principle of Politeness

5.Limitations of This Study and Suggestion for Future Studies.9

6.Conclusion ..9

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements12