Abstract

This article presents the state of the art of semantic-pragmatic research on humor. The developments in the field are seen as fanning out from two central concepts: the linguistic version of the incongruity/resolution theory of humor (script opposition) and the methodological claim that such a theory was a theory of humor competence. The developments of the theory of humor competence and, more recently, of work on humor performance are seen as lying at the opposite ends of a continuum, with various approaches positioning themselves along that axis. It is argued that a theory encompassing both competence and performance is necessary for the study of humor.

DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-818X.2008.00107.x