Linguistic Analysis of Jokes

Graeme Ritchie has been carrying out research in artificial intelligence and computational linguistics since 1973, investigating topics such as morphology, parsing, semantics and creativity. In recent years, he has helped to pioneer the computer modelling of verbal humour. He is Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, UK.

• 1. Introduction 2. Assumptions and Methodology 3. Linguistic preliminaries 4. Incongruity and its Resolution 5. Two Models of Incongruity-Resolution 6. The General Theory of Verbal Humour 7. Joke Similarity and Identity 8. Manipulating Interpretations 9. The Structure of Puns 10. Some Computational Studies 11. Pragmatic and Discourse Issues 12. Speculations on Joke Structure 13. Future Directions

' ... an exceptionally detailed and sophisticated analysis of puns that is far superior to any of its predecessors. His discussions of humour theory, of the nature of humorous incongruity and of the very varied mechanisms that make jokes work are likewise entertaining. Ritchie has written a notable book that belongs in the library of anyone interested in linguistic analysis or indeed in humour.' - Walter De Gruyter Publishers'It is written in a lucid style to benefit those with less technical knowledge of the field too.' - Linguist List 'Graeme Ritchie's book is definately a learning experience. Reader-friendly, written in a lucid style, and yet rigorous in argumentation, it is a pleasure to read. Ritchie takes his readers on a tour of selected sights of the complex world of humor research.' - Journal of Pragmatics