Getting the joke: Humor, Cognitive grammar, encyclopedic meaning and the semantics/pragmatics interface David Tuggy SIL-Mexico.

• Slide 1

Getting the joke: Humor, Cognitive grammar, encyclopedic meaning and the semantics/pragmatics interface David Tuggy SIL-Mexico Slide 2 Existence proofs from humor Humor often involves somewhat extreme uses of language. Humor often involves somewhat extreme uses of language. This makes certain aspects of the nature of meaning more obvious or difficult to ignore. This makes certain aspects of the nature of meaning more obvious or difficult to ignore. Many jokes use indirection. Many jokes use indirection. I.e., the speaker purposefully avoids mentioning crucial meaning, because it is funnier if people tumble to that meaning themselves. I.e., the speaker purposefully avoids mentioning crucial meaning, because it is funnier if people tumble to that meaning themselves. Such jokes give an existence proof for encyclopedic meaning. Such jokes give an existence proof for encyclopedic meaning. Slide 3 E.g. The Chicken Joke The animals are arguing over which one is the biggest, baddest and scariest of them all. The animals are arguing over which one is the biggest, baddest and scariest of them all. I just growl, and all the animals in the forest scurry out of my way. I just growl, and all the animals in the forest scurry out of my way. Slide 4 The Chicken Joke I roar, and the whole savannah trembles with fear. I roar, and the whole savannah trembles with fear. Slide 5 The Chicken Joke Ha, thats nothing. All I do is cough, and the whole world freaks out! Ha, thats nothing. All I do is cough, and the whole world freaks out! Slide 6 Existence proofs from humor Meaning evoked by chicken includes (though it is never mentioned explicitly) BIRD FLU. Meaning evoked by chicken includes (though it is never mentioned explicitly) BIRD FLU. Meaning evoked by cough includes BIRD FLU as well. Meaning evoked by cough includes BIRD FLU as well. Unless you get the connection to BIRD FLU you dont get the joke. Unless you get the connection to BIRD FLU you dont get the joke. Slide 7 Existence proofs from humor Of course BIRD FLU is not a central specification of either chicken or cough. Of course BIRD FLU is not a central specification of either chicken or cough. Slide 8 Existence proofs from humor But any theory of meaning that does not allow for the existence and availability of such peripheral meanings has to be wrong. But any theory of meaning that does not allow for the existence and availability of such peripheral meanings has to be wrong. Slide 9 Not why, but how is it funny? At issue here is not why (or if, or to what degree) a joke like the chicken joke is funny. At issue here is not why (or if, or to what degree) a joke like the chicken joke is funny. We will concentrate on how it is funny, i.e. what does it take to get the joke. We will concentrate on how it is funny, i.e. what does it take to get the joke. You can get the joke and not find it funny, of course. You can get the joke and not find it funny, of course. But if you dont get the joke and still find it funny, you are in fact laughing at a different joke. But if you dont get the joke and still find it funny, you are in fact laughing at a different joke. Slide 10 Still Note how much less funny the chicken joke would be if the chicken said People are so afraid of bird flu that when I cough they think I have it and they freak out. Note how much less funny the chicken joke would be if the chicken said People are so afraid of bird flu that when I cough they think I have it and they freak out. Skillful indirection is among the things we find funny, thus a good ingredient for jokes. Skillful indirection is among the things we find funny, thus a good ingredient for jokes. Slide 11 Language and Culture-bound humor Clearly much humor is culture-bound. Clearly much humor is culture-bound. Some is, in addition, language-bound Some is, in addition, language-bound puns and other form-based word-play. You expect that to be language-bound. puns and other form-based word-play. You expect that to be language-bound. Slide 12 Language and Culture-bound humor Much meaning-based humor is still language- and/or culture-bound. Much meaning-based humor is still language- and/or culture-bound. The chicken joke is fairly translatable (e.g. to Spanish or Russian) and works in those modern cultures. The chicken joke is fairly translatable (e.g. to Spanish or Russian) and works in those modern cultures. (Though it worked better a couple of years ago!) (Though it worked better a couple of years ago!) You could not expect it to work in the Yanomamo or Sumerian cultures. You could not expect it to work in the Yanomamo or Sumerian cultures. If they heard it and thought it funny, it would quite certainly be because of other connections. If they heard it and thought it funny, it would quite certainly be because of other connections. It would be a different joke, in fact. It would be a different joke, in fact. Slide 13 What does it take to get the joke? (Traditionally) Meaning = semantics + pragmatics. (Traditionally) Meaning = semantics + pragmatics. Much humor plays around on the pragmatics/semantics interface. Much humor plays around on the pragmatics/semantics interface. Semantics is largely culture-specific. Many assume pragmatics is not. Semantics is largely culture-specific. Many assume pragmatics is not. Cognitive Grammar (= CG, Langacker 1987, 1991, 2004) has, I think, some interesting things to say in this regard. Cognitive Grammar (= CG, Langacker 1987, 1991, 2004) has, I think, some interesting things to say in this regard. Slide 14 Inclusion = Connection (the Container metaphor) Under CG, meanings consist of cognitive (mental) structures activated through (associative) mental linkages. Under CG, meanings consist of cognitive (mental) structures activated through (associative) mental linkages. Representing such linked structures as contents via the Container Metaphor is not illegitimate, but it must not be pressed to hard. Representing such linked structures as contents via the Container Metaphor is not illegitimate, but it must not be pressed to hard. Slide 15 Inclusion = Connection (the Container metaphor) We used oval shells in the diagram to represent BIRD FLU as included in the meanings of chicken and cough. These, like the phrase the meaning, are high- level reifications. We used oval shells in the diagram to represent BIRD FLU as included in the meanings of chicken and cough. These, like the phrase the meaning, are high- level reifications. It is equally right to represent the meaning with linkages. It is equally right to represent the meaning with linkages. Slide 16 Inclusion = Connection (the Container metaphor) In fact, the concepts we connect turn out, when examined, to be collections of connections. In fact, the concepts we connect turn out, when examined, to be collections of connections. Thus when we shell them that also is a reification. Thus when we shell them that also is a reification. They are notational variants of systems of linkages. They are notational variants of systems of linkages. Slide 17 Central/Peripheral meanings The difference between central and peripheral specifications is a matter of The difference between central and peripheral specifications is a matter of How likely it is (to the point of inevitability) that a specification gets activated. How likely it is (to the point of inevitability) that a specification gets activated. How strongly it (usually) gets activated How strongly it (usually) gets activated Slide 18 Central / peripheral meanings Such collections of central and peripheral meanings constitute encyclopedic meaning. Such collections of central and peripheral meanings constitute encyclopedic meaning. CG, from the beginning, insisted on the legitimacy and importance of encyclopedic meaning. CG, from the beginning, insisted on the legitimacy and importance of encyclopedic meaning. Slide 19 What is the difference between Semantics and Pragmatics? CG says that to be part of a language, meanings (or other cognitive structures) must be not just CG says that to be part of a language, meanings (or other cognitive structures) must be not just Common: shared by the relevant people (esp. interlocutors in a communication situation) Common: shared by the relevant people (esp. interlocutors in a communication situation) but also but also Conventional(ized): Established as common by usage. Conventional(ized): Established as common by usage. Slide 20 What is the difference between Semantics and Pragmatics? I will take conventionality/conventionalization as a major difference between Semantics and Pragmatics I will take conventionality/conventionalization as a major difference between Semantics and Pragmatics Conventionality is clearly a matter of degree, not a plus-or-minus issue. Conventionality is clearly a matter of degree, not a plus-or-minus issue. Slide 21 A continuum, not a dichotomy We will use a color gradation to represent this. We will use a color gradation to represent this. Yellow = (strongly) established, light blue = not yet established, light green = in between Yellow = (strongly) established, light blue = not yet established, light green = in between Slide 22 What is the difference between Semantics and Pragmatics? Semantic structures are conventionalized. Semantic structures are conventionalized. Pragmatic structures are not (yet), Pragmatic structures are not (yet), But they often are common But they often are common And if they are not at first, they become so during the communication process. And if they are not at first, they become so during the communication process. Slide 23 Constructed meanings Many larger-scale meanings are also not yet conventionalized, but are not usually considered pragmatic. Many larger-scale meanings are also not yet conventionalized, but are not usually considered pragmatic. These are constructed meanings. These are constructed meanings. For instance, in the Chicken joke, the idea of a chicken coughing is clearly meant. For instance, in the Chicken joke, the idea of a chicken coughing is clearly meant. But this notion is not a pre-established part of English for most users not familiar with the joke. But this notion is not a pre-established part of English for most users not familiar with the joke. It is constructed through the combination of lexical items and syntactic patterns used. It is constructed through the combination of lexical items and syntactic patterns used. Slide 24 Constructed meanings and blending Although it is fairly closely controlled, it involves a degree of blending, and is not entirely predictable. Although it is fairly closely controlled, it involves a degree of blending, and is not entirely predictable. Slide 25 Constructed meanings and blending This blended, constructed meaning strongly activates the concept BIRD FLU. This blended, constructed meaning strongly activates the concept BIRD FLU. Slide 26 What is the difference between Semantics and Pragmatics? As the mental leaps needed to achieve the proper blend become less and less overtly constrained, people tend to talk of pragmatic inferences. As the mental leaps needed to achieve the proper blend become less and less overtly constrained, people tend to talk of pragmatic inferences. Again, the difference between them and constructed meanings is one of degreedegree of coercion or control over what meanings are to be achieved. Again, the difference between them and constructed meanings is one of degreedegree of coercion or control over what meanings are to be achieved. With semantic or constructed meanings you tell people what to think of. With semantic or constructed meanings you tell people what to think of. With pragmatic meanings you hope they will think of the right thing. With pragmatic meanings you hope they will think of the right thing. Slide 27 Deictic Pragmatic concepts Some pragmatic structures I will call deictic pragmatic. Some pragmatic structures I will call deictic pragmatic. They consist of concepts that are common to the interlocutors from the immediate context of speech, which have not yet been conventionalized by usage. They consist of concepts that are common to the interlocutors from the immediate context of speech, which have not yet been conventionalized by usage. Slide 28 Deictic Pragmatic concepts I purposely did not mention the bear and the lion by name, but showing their pictures made the salient concept of them common to us as a group. I purposely did not mention the bear and the lion by name, but showing their pictures made the salient concept of them common to us as a group. This allowed us to identify who was speaking. This allowed us to identify who was speaking. But it didnt tell you linguistically who it was. But it didnt tell you linguistically who it was. Most deictic pragmatic concepts are even less coercive. Most deictic pragmatic concepts are even less coercive. Slide 29 Different kinds of meanings Slide 30 The categorie s fade or blend into each other. The categorie s fade or blend into each other. Slide 31 From common to conventional The meanings we are talking about are common, if not conventional, by the end of the conversation. The meanings we are talking about are common, if not conventional, by the end of the conversation. Well see later an example of meaning that doesnt become common. Its worth talking about too. Well see later an example of meaning that doesnt become common. Its worth talking about too. Communication is commonication: The whole point of it is to make information (meaning) common. Communication is commonication: The whole point of it is to make information (meaning) common. Communication is usage that establishes commonality. Communication is usage that establishes commonality. It is thus *automatically* and *inevitably* a step towards conventionalization (i.e. towards being established by usage.) It is thus *automatically* and *inevitably* a step towards conventionalization (i.e. towards being established by usage.) Slide 32 Semantic or pragmatic connections? As we saw already, jokes often involve connections through encyclopedic meaning. As we saw already, jokes often involve connections through encyclopedic meaning. Is that encyclopedic meaning semantic, or pragmatic? Or constructed? or what? Is that encyclopedic meaning semantic, or pragmatic? Or constructed? or what? Typically, it is a mixture. Typically, it is a mixture. Slide 33 The Chicken Joke (again) There are two questions here: There are two questions here: Is the concept BIRD FLU semantic (conventional, established by usage)? Is the concept BIRD FLU semantic (conventional, established by usage)? Yes, clearly. Yes, clearly. Are the connections to it from chicken and from cough semantic? Are the connections to it from chicken and from cough semantic? Slide 34 The Chicken joke The connection from chicken to BIRD FLU is certainly semantic. The connection from chicken to BIRD FLU is certainly semantic. We have all heard (usage) that chickens carry it, and that where it is found flocks of chickens are killed to stop it. We have all heard (usage) that chickens carry it, and that where it is found flocks of chickens are killed to stop it. It is (even) not uncommon for it to be called chicken flu. It is (even) not uncommon for it to be called chicken flu. Slide 35 The Chicken joke The (resultative/symptomatic) connection from cough to FLU is also certainly semantic. The (resultative/symptomatic) connection from cough to FLU is also certainly semantic. So too the (elaborative) connection from FLU to BIRD FLU. So too the (elaborative) connection from FLU to BIRD FLU. Slide 36 The Chicken joke However, the combination of these two links is probably not semantic for most speakers. However, the combination of these two links is probably not semantic for most speakers. I.e., most of us have not heard usage linking coughing with BIRD FLU. I.e., most of us have not heard usage linking coughing with BIRD FLU. Slide 37 The Chicken joke This is, in fact, a (relatively mild) example of pragmatic inferencing. This is, in fact, a (relatively mild) example of pragmatic inferencing. Slide 38 The Chicken joke Overall, then, we can consider that the linkage is pragmatic, even though it is composed of a combination of (pre-established) semantic links. Overall, then, we can consider that the linkage is pragmatic, even though it is composed of a combination of (pre-established) semantic links. Slide 39 The Chicken joke This is so common as to be typical of pragmatic connections: This is so common as to be typical of pragmatic connections: they are composed largely of pre-established, semantic links, combined in a novel way. they are composed largely of pre-established, semantic links, combined in a novel way. Slide 40 Constructed meanings and blending The connection from the constructed chickencough to BIRD FLU is, as previously represented, non- established, and pragmatic. The connection from the constructed chickencough to BIRD FLU is, as previously represented, non- established, and pragmatic. Slide 41 Constructed meanings and blending The connection from the constructed the whole world freaks out to the notion of world-wide fear and panic over bird-flu, is also non- established. The connection from the constructed the whole world freaks out to the notion of world-wide fear and panic over bird-flu, is also non- established. Slide 42 Constructed meanings and blending What it enhances, namely the notion of widespread fear connected to BIRD FLU, is semantic, already part of BIRD FLU. What it enhances, namely the notion of widespread fear connected to BIRD FLU, is semantic, already part of BIRD FLU. This (again) enhances the whole notion of BIRD FLU, making it clear that is what is really being talked about. This (again) enhances the whole notion of BIRD FLU, making it clear that is what is really being talked about. Slide 43 The Chicken joke (Somewhat incidentally:) (Somewhat incidentally:) Note the usage of the (in the purely linguistic version of this joke). It is significant and typical for many jokes: Note the usage of the (in the purely linguistic version of this joke). It is significant and typical for many jokes: The bear, the lion, and the chicken are marked as stereotypical participants in a conventional script. The bear, the lion, and the chicken are marked as stereotypical participants in a conventional script. (also as representatives of their species) (also as representatives of their species) This script (which helps make this joke work/be easy to understand) is a schematic construction defining this type of joke: This script (which helps make this joke work/be easy to understand) is a schematic construction defining this type of joke: Slide 44 The Chicken joke In the script In the script several agonists (typically three) vie for some sort of supremacy several agonists (typically three) vie for some sort of supremacy the first ones (typically two) establish a trend for the manner of demonstrating supremacy the first ones (typically two) establish a trend for the manner of demonstrating supremacy the last one (the eschatagonist? ) violates that trend and establishes supremacy in an unexpected way the last one (the eschatagonist? ) violates that trend and establishes supremacy in an unexpected way it may in fact be surprising (as in this case) that the eschatagonist is a participant at all it may in fact be surprising (as in this case) that the eschatagonist is a participant at all In a language which lacks this script, the joke will probably not work as well. In a language which lacks this script, the joke will probably not work as well. Slide 45 The next joke was told by a friend of mine. The next joke was told by a friend of mine. I will first give you the punch line, then supply some context. I will first give you the punch line, then supply some context. Slide 46 The Beard Joke You can tell which end of his face he uses the most. You can tell which end of his face he uses the most. Slide 47 The Beard Joke This is a rather widely translatable joke (English, Spanish, Nahuatl, others?) This is a rather widely translatable joke (English, Spanish, Nahuatl, others?) That is because the metonymic connections involved, though actually quite complex, are established (semantic) in many cultures. That is because the metonymic connections involved, though actually quite complex, are established (semantic) in many cultures. Ive tried to represent some of these in the following diagram Ive tried to represent some of these in the following diagram Slide 48 The Beard Joke Once youve gotten to the point where the opposition THINK/TALK is strongly activated, you have pretty much understood the joke. Once youve gotten to the point where the opposition THINK/TALK is strongly activated, you have pretty much understood the joke. Slide 49 The Beard Joke My friend was saying, in essence, David talks more than he thinks. My friend was saying, in essence, David talks more than he thinks. Slide 50 The Beard Joke Note how pragmatic and semantic connections are interwoven with each other logically (and presumably temporally to some extent.) Note how pragmatic and semantic connections are interwoven with each other logically (and presumably temporally to some extent.) Slide 51 The Beard Joke It would not work at all well to try to do all the semantics first, then all the pragmatics, or v.v. It would not work at all well to try to do all the semantics first, then all the pragmatics, or v.v. Slide 52 The Beard Joke Theres enough common semantic material in most languages that the pragmatic connections (deictic & inferential) can be trusted to go on similar lines. Theres enough common semantic material in most languages that the pragmatic connections (deictic & inferential) can be trusted to go on similar lines. Slide 53 The Beard Joke Thats what makes the joke so translatable. Thats what makes the joke so translatable. Slide 54 The Beard Joke Of course, it may not be *funny* in all cultures, even if they *get* it. (e.g. maybe a serious insult) Of course, it may not be *funny* in all cultures, even if they *get* it. (e.g. maybe a serious insult) Slide 55 The Beard Joke If youve seen the picture before you hear the joke, and noted the relevant details, the picture is giving you Deictic Pragmatic information. If youve seen the picture before you hear the joke, and noted the relevant details, the picture is giving you Deictic Pragmatic information. But it also works seeing the picture later (as I showed it to you.) But it also works seeing the picture later (as I showed it to you.) Or you might see it first, but notice the relevant details later. Or you might see it first, but notice the relevant details later. Slide 56 The Beard Joke If you hear someone tell the story, describing the essence of the picture (more normal joke format) then its semantic. If you hear someone tell the story, describing the essence of the picture (more normal joke format) then its semantic. (In the original context, someone had commented on my beard being whiter than my head hair.) (In the original context, someone had commented on my beard being whiter than my head hair.) Many of the connections would still be pragmatic, however. Many of the connections would still be pragmatic, however. Slide 57 The Beard Joke Bottom line: Bottom line: It doesnt really matter whether the information is pragmatic or semantic, as long as its common, readily/already activated when the punch line comes. It doesnt really matter whether the information is pragmatic or semantic, as long as its common, readily/already activated when the punch line comes. Slide 58 The Beard Joke Finally, it isnt clear that there is any special joke script (schema) at work in this case. Finally, it isnt clear that there is any special joke script (schema) at work in this case. It is relevant to the jokes translatability that no such script is necessary. It is relevant to the jokes translatability that no such script is necessary. Slide 59 The Pigeon Joke and some days youre the statue. and some days youre the statue. Some days youre the pigeon, Some days youre the pigeon, Slide 60 The Pigeon joke Usage of the is similar to that of the Chicken joke: it marks the pigeon and the statue as fulfilling stereotypical roles in a script. Usage of the is similar to that of the Chicken joke: it marks the pigeon and the statue as fulfilling stereotypical roles in a script. Slide 61 The Pigeon joke The setting for that script is probably in a park (where you are likely to find pigeons and statues together). The setting for that script is probably in a park (where you are likely to find pigeons and statues together). Slide 62 The Pigeon joke Crucially, the blended conception has the pigeon flying over and dropping excrement on the statue. Crucially, the blended conception has the pigeon flying over and dropping excrement on the statue. Slide 63 The Pigeon joke Like the Beard joke, this is not clearly dependent on a particular joke- construction schema [though it certainly makes effective use of a more general syntactic schema some( TIME )s X, (and) some( TIME )s Y]. Like the Beard joke, this is not clearly dependent on a particular joke- construction schema [though it certainly makes effective use of a more general syntactic schema some( TIME )s X, (and) some( TIME )s Y]. Slide 64 The Pigeon joke It is probably reasonably widely translatable where parks with pigeons and statues. It is probably reasonably widely translatable where parks with pigeons and statues. But not (in my experience) as effective/easy to get in Spanish as in English. But not (in my experience) as effective/easy to get in Spanish as in English. This is probably because the crucial link is more conventional in English than in Spanish. This is probably because the crucial link is more conventional in English than in Spanish. Slide 65 The Pigeon joke I have heard many more (conventional) complaints about bird droppings (e.g. on cars) in English than in Spanish. I have heard many more (conventional) complaints about bird droppings (e.g. on cars) in English than in Spanish. widespread knowledge of the couplet Birdie, birdie in the sky, How Im glad that cows dont fly. widespread knowledge of the couplet Birdie, birdie in the sky, How Im glad that cows dont fly. Slide 66 The Pigeon joke There is widespread knowledge of cartoons like the following (e.g. in The Far Side): picture 2007 Christopher Tuggy There is widespread knowledge of cartoons like the following (e.g. in The Far Side): picture 2007 Christopher Tuggy Slide 67 The Pigeon joke Thus the connection from pigeon/ BIRD, especially in a joking context, to the idea of its droppings falling on something, is semantic (strongly pre-established) in English Thus the connection from pigeon/ BIRD, especially in a joking context, to the idea of its droppings falling on something, is semantic (strongly pre-established) in English It is much less so in Spanish. It is much less so in Spanish. Slide 68 The Pigeon joke The joke also involves a proverb-like abstraction permitting re-specialization The joke also involves a proverb-like abstraction permitting re-specialization Slide 69 The Pigeon joke Some days you subject others to disagreeable/disgusting/irritating /even insulting (but not terribly harmful) behavior, Some days you subject others to disagreeable/disgusting/irritating /even insulting (but not terribly harmful) behavior, and some days they do it to you and some days they do it to you Slide 70 The Blonde joke (Permission granted by Holly Tuggy) (Permission granted by Holly Tuggy) Q: Why do blondes wear pony tails? Q: Why do blondes wear pony tails? A: To hide the valve stem. A: To hide the valve stem. Slide 71 The Blonde joke This joke is pretty culture specific; not widely translatable. This joke is pretty culture specific; not widely translatable. Indeed not all English speakers get it. Indeed not all English speakers get it. It is dependent on the constructional schemas for: It is dependent on the constructional schemas for: Q/A jokes Q/A jokes Blonde jokes, esp. the dumb blonde stereotype. Blonde jokes, esp. the dumb blonde stereotype. Note (again) the usage of stereotyping the: the valve stem implies every blonde has one Note (again) the usage of stereotyping the: the valve stem implies every blonde has one Slide 72 The Blonde joke It helps (almost: you need) to know & understand the idiomatic word airhead, strongly evoked by stereotypical blonde. It helps (almost: you need) to know & understand the idiomatic word airhead, strongly evoked by stereotypical blonde. Slide 73 The Blonde joke Many English speakers dont have a clear, immediately accessible meaning for valve stem. Many English speakers dont have a clear, immediately accessible meaning for valve stem. Some eventually remember or figure it out and thus get the joke, but its harder for them. Some eventually remember or figure it out and thus get the joke, but its harder for them. Slide 74 The Blonde joke Those who get the joke get a strong blended picture of the blonde with the valve stem hidden in her ponytail. Those who get the joke get a strong blended picture of the blonde with the valve stem hidden in her ponytail. Slide 75 The Blonde joke This is not a pre-established concept of English. This is not a pre-established concept of English. Rather it is constructed on-the-fly. Rather it is constructed on-the-fly. Slide 76 The Blonde joke But it is constructed (fairly strongly coerced) meaning: the joke in essence tells you that blondes have valve stems hidden in their pony tails. But it is constructed (fairly strongly coerced) meaning: the joke in essence tells you that blondes have valve stems hidden in their pony tails. Even those who dont know what a valve stem is get this much. Even those who dont know what a valve stem is get this much. Slide 77 The Blonde joke But there are less closely controlled (inferential) aspects to it as well. But there are less closely controlled (inferential) aspects to it as well. Many construe the blondes head as the inflatable chamber. Many construe the blondes head as the inflatable chamber. Slide 78 The Blonde joke The crucial (pragmatic) connection in this case is from the indirectly evoked notion AIRHEAD. The crucial (pragmatic) connection in this case is from the indirectly evoked notion AIRHEAD. Slide 79 The Blonde joke Some get another meaning: the blondes whole body is the inflatable chamber Some get another meaning: the blondes whole body is the inflatable chamber Slide 80 The Blonde joke In this case the crucial connection is from the indirectly evoked notion INFLATABLE DOLL. In this case the crucial connection is from the indirectly evoked notion INFLATABLE DOLL. Slide 81 The Blonde joke Thats a somewhat different joke; calling blondes airheads is different from calling them inflatable dolls. Thats a somewhat different joke; calling blondes airheads is different from calling them inflatable dolls. The constructed meaning does not control which construal you get. The constructed meaning does not control which construal you get. Slide 82 The Blonde joke Many (myself included) get an off- the-wall picture of the air in airheads heads as under pressure, and as needing the pressure constantly monitored and adjusted. Many (myself included) get an off- the-wall picture of the air in airheads heads as under pressure, and as needing the pressure constantly monitored and adjusted. Slide 83 The Blonde joke But others do not get that strongly. But others do not get that strongly. Again, the constructed meaning does not control this. Again, the constructed meaning does not control this. It is all in the realm of pragmatic inferencing. It is all in the realm of pragmatic inferencing. It may not even be common between the joke-teller and hearer. It may not even be common between the joke-teller and hearer. Slide 84 Recap/final points Indirection, i.e. (purposeful) activation of unnamed concepts through peripheral meaning specifications, is a crucial ingredient in some kinds of humor. Indirection, i.e. (purposeful) activation of unnamed concepts through peripheral meaning specifications, is a crucial ingredient in some kinds of humor. The distinction between central and peripheral specifications is important to conceive of properly, and to bear in mind. The distinction between central and peripheral specifications is important to conceive of properly, and to bear in mind. It is useful to distinguish semantic from pragmatic meaning by the parameter of conventionalization: semantics is conventionalized meaning, and pragmatic meanings are not (yet) conventionalized. It is useful to distinguish semantic from pragmatic meaning by the parameter of conventionalization: semantics is conventionalized meaning, and pragmatic meanings are not (yet) conventionalized. Slide 85 Recap/final points Some pragmatic meanings are already common, though yet not established by usage. Some pragmatic meanings are already common, though yet not established by usage. These deictic pragmatic meanings are like semantic meanings in being pre-available. These deictic pragmatic meanings are like semantic meanings in being pre-available. Other pragmatic meanings are inferential connections that the hearer must (or may) make between activated meanings of whatever sort. Other pragmatic meanings are inferential connections that the hearer must (or may) make between activated meanings of whatever sort. Slide 86 Recap/final points Constructed meanings are also not pre- established. Constructed meanings are also not pre- established. They are like pragmatic inferences in that they require a hearer to make new connections. They are like pragmatic inferences in that they require a hearer to make new connections. But they differ in being more closely controlled via schematic constructions. But they differ in being more closely controlled via schematic constructions. Slide 87 Recap/final points Pragmatic meanings, semantic and constructed meanings grade into each other, and are likely to be inextricably interleaved in particular meanings such as the meanings of particular jokes. Pragmatic meanings, semantic and constructed meanings grade into each other, and are likely to be inextricably interleaved in particular meanings such as the meanings of particular jokes. Much that may seem pragmatic is actually at least in some degree semantic (pre- established by usage.) Much that may seem pragmatic is actually at least in some degree semantic (pre- established by usage.) If certain concepts or connections are not semantic for you as hearer, it may be harder for you to get the joke. If certain concepts or connections are not semantic for you as hearer, it may be harder for you to get the joke. Slide 88 Recap/final points However, as long as you get the joke, it doesnt much matter if particular concepts or connections are pragmatic or semantic. However, as long as you get the joke, it doesnt much matter if particular concepts or connections are pragmatic or semantic. Understanding the subtleties of these sorts of connections helps us to understand why humor tends so strongly to be language- or culture-bound. Understanding the subtleties of these sorts of connections helps us to understand why humor tends so strongly to be language- or culture-bound. Slide 89 Recap/final comments It is a very beautiful thing that so many people get these quite intricate and complex connections so reliably and so fast (well under 1 second). It is a very beautiful thing that so many people get these quite intricate and complex connections so reliably and so fast (well under 1 second). Jokes work: people get them. And that tells us a lot about language. Jokes work: people get them. And that tells us a lot about language. Slide 90 Powerpoint available at: www.sil.org/~tuggyd.