bsp;are few researchers to analyze it. Therefore, the CP theory may become a new tool to elaborate and evaluate the American situation comedy. In addition, it is also a good way to amend the established CP theory as it is used to analyze the modern language materials. All in all, it may make contributions to this field by this kind of study. With the development of globalization, American situation comedy becomes more and more popular with people especially in China. As wide spread of internet, people can be easier to share the internet sources. Therefore American TV series are well received in Chinese audience. In particular, most of people especially English learners believe that it is an effective way to learn English by watching American situation comedy. However, we have to admit that sometimes we can not really understand the humor in American sitcoms. Therefore, analyzing the verbal humor in American sitcoms from the perspective of pragmatics can not only help Chinese audience have a deeper comprehension of their verbal humor, but also a kind of innovative way for learners to learn English.
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Chapter 2 Literature Review
In this chapter, the author is devoted to present the nature of humor according to its definition and classification. And the detailed study on humor including the general view of humor is mentioned. Meanwhile, the situation comedy’s study is necessary to talk about in this part. Also, there is a specific introduction of the chosen sitcom How I Met Your Mother in this chapter. What’s more, Cooperative Principle, the framework of the thesis will be referred and discussed.
2.1 Humor
As there is no controversial and accurate definition of humor, in this section the author will mention several definitions of humor according to different sources. In the following part, it will have several definitions based on different dictionaries and books. After that, the classification of humor will be elaborated to help people to understand the study well. Humor, as an art of social contact, has a particularly close connection with our daily life. We can almost find it in everywhere such as books, magazines, movies and conversations. It is the spice of life which can help people shorten interpersonal distance and increase the intimacy of people. Meanwhile, humor can bring people a lot of fun and create the relaxing environment which can ease the pressure of people. Therefore, humor plays an important role in our social contact and daily life. However, at present, there is no accurate and precise definition of humor. It seems that different scholars and researchers have different vi
