摘要
Abstract
Chapter One Introduction
1.1 Significance of the Research
1.2 The Objectives and Methodology of the Research
1.3 The Organization of the Thesis
Chapter Two An Overview of Humor and Its Research
2.1 Definition of Humor
2.2 Classification of Humor
2.3 The Traditional Study On Humor
2.3.1 Superiority Theory
2.3.2 Release Theory
2.3.3 Incongruity Theory
2.3.4 Incongruity—resolution Theory
2.4 Modern Linguistic Study of Humor
Chapter Three Framework of Relevance Theory
3.1 Introduction to Relevance Theory
3.2 Relevance Theory Compared with Gricean Pragmatics
3.3 Basic Assumptions of Relevance Theory
3.3.1 Cognitive Effects and Processing Effort
3.3.2 Cognitive Context
3.3.3 Code and Inferential Models of Communication
3.3.4 Ostensive- Inferential Communication
3.4 Principles of Relevance Theory
Chapter Four Application of Relevance Theory to the Study of Verbal Humor
4.1 Understanding of Verbal Humor with Relevance Theory
4.2 Relevance-Pragmatic Inquiry into Techniques in Verbal Humor Production
4.2.1 Rhetorical Techniques of Verbal Humor
4.2.2 Semantic Techniques of Verbal Humor
4.2.3 Pragmatic Techniques of Verbal Humor
4.2.4 Phonological Techniques of Verbal Humor
4.3 Relevance-Pragmatic Inquiry into Verbal humor comprehension
4.3.1 Realization of Convert intention
4.3.2 Change of Cognitive Context
4.3.3 The Gap Between Maximal Relevance and Optimal Relevance
Chapter Five Conclusion
5.1 Major Findings
5.2 Limitations and Suggestions
References
Acknowledgements
