ON DEFINING BRITISH AND AMERICAN NATIONAL

IDENTITY THROUGH HUMOR

https://doi.org /10.59982/18294359-24.15-oa-16

Abstract

This article dwells on diverse expressions of humor in British and American cultures. It highlights humor as an important means of interaction between different social groups and reveals their national peculiarities, which are vividly reflected in various expressions of humor.

 Over time, both nations have developed their own unique form of humor based on their national identity and historical experience. Humor is a vital means that serves to express positive or negative feelings through language. A humorous view of life is very important. Britain and the USA are two separate cultures with their own characteristics, histories, and mentalities. Both nations use diverse methods of expressing humor.

The purpose of the study is to show the variety of English and American humor. The material for research comprises different examples of American and English jokes on various topics. The relevance of this study is determined by the growing impact of humor as a means of communication and socialization that promotes mutual understanding, tolerance, and hence respect among members of society and different nations. The novelty of the article is the material studied in the paper. In the research, we have employed the methods of data comparison and analysis.

Keywords: British/American humor, national identity, cultural peculiarities, national self-awareness, historical factors, level of education, irony/sarcasm.

 PAGES : 161-166

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