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Humor Generation in Mr. Bean’s Holiday from the Perspective of Relevance Theory

Author(s)

Bai Bingqiao

Affiliation(s)

School of English Studies, Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

Abstract

This paper takes Mr.Bean’s Holiday as the research subject to explore the generation of humor from the perspective of Relevance Theory. The study aims to demonstrate the applicability of humor generation mechanisms in films and highlight the significance of non-verbal humor in creating comedic effects. By analyzing the interaction between verbal and non-verbal humor, this research examines how both forms contribute individually and collectively to the overall humor effect in the film. The paper also delves into how non-verbal elements, such as facial expressions, body language, and visual gags, complement and enhance verbal humor to create a cohesive comedic narrative. Through detailed analysis, this study seeks to affirm the explanatory power of Relevance Theory in understanding humor in films, emphasizing its capacity to account for the interplay of different humor modalities. Ultimately, the research underscores the importance of integrating verbal and non-verbal humor in cinematic storytelling.

Keywords

Relevance Theory; Humor; Nonverbal Humor; Humor Mechanism

References

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