Humour in Context: A Pragmatic Analysis of Young Sheldon

Abstract

The present study explores the pragmatic analysis of humour in the American sitcom Young Sheldon. It aims to analyse how humour is generated through linguistic strategies, with a focus on pragmatic mechanisms. The researcher applies multiple theories, including Attardo’s general theory of verbal humour by utilising all six knowledge resources, recognising forms of humour by focusing on categories of spontaneous conversational humour, and Grice’s cooperative principle, with an emphasis on non-observance of Grice’s maxims. The study employs a qualitative research method to analyse specific extracts from the sitcom. The results of the study reveal that all six knowledge resources of Attardo’s general theory of verbal humour have a significant role in generating humour, especially the script opposition. In addition, it uncovers the close connection between humour and the deliberate non-observance of Grice’s conversational maxims. Furthermore, it shows how the utility of multiple spontaneous conversational forms of humour enhances the comedic style of the sitcom. The study concludes that the pragmatic approach is essential in television humour, since it provides valuable insights into the linguistic construction of comedy.