EURASIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS

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Role of Humorous Discourse in Developing Intercultural Interaction: A Linguacultural Analysis

Nurgul Rysmagambetova
K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan.
Zhanna Tektigul
K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
Svetlana Zhumasheva
Abai University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Aigul Abdirgazieva
M. Ospanov West Kazakhstan Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan.
Ardak Mukhatayeva
Satpayev University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Assel Kuanyshbayeva
K. Zhubanov Aktobe Regional University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan.
Keywords: Humor, Language, Linguoculture, Linguacultural Aspect, Humorous Discourse. ,

Abstract

One of the most significant questions in linguistics is the relationship between language and culture and the nature of their interaction. Humor is one such method that can either facilitate or hinder effective intercultural communication. Humorous discourse as a linguistic phenomenon in applied linguistics ascertains communicative competence and builds a framework of linguo-culturology and intercultural communication. The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of humorous discourse within the linguacultural framework and present respondents' perceptions of humorous discourse from a different cultural context. Employing a mixed method research design, the study employed linguo-cognitive, discursive, sociolinguistic, and experimental techniques. The participants comprised 106 international students and 113 local students, who shared their perception about humorous utterances in the Kazakh cultural context. A questionnaire explored respondents’ perception about three sampled humorous utterances, that were a part of the Kazakh culture and communication, analyzing their meaning within context. A majority of respondents from international students group agreed that humor can be a bridge for mutual understanding, showing a positive sign for intercultural interaction. The overall findings suggest that humor has the potential to create bridges for mutual understanding between cultures, although its effectiveness largely depends on context and proper usage. The study also found out that use of humor is limited due to language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of confidence in the use of humor as an inter-cultural communication tool. The study emphasizes the need for further research in the field of intercultural communication and humor as a means of overcoming cultural barriers.