The Language of Humor: An Introduction
- Michele StClair
- May 9, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 9, 2024
By: Kelly Epperson Simmons, Ghostwriter/Editor/Coach
Let's Hear About...The Language of Humor: An Introduction
Alleen Pace Nilsen and Don L.F. Nilsen
Prolific authors Alleen Pace Nilsen and Don L.F. Nilsen have published another book, The Language of Humor – An Introduction. The couple, who are considered pioneers in humor studies, have received Lifetime Achievement Awards from AATH and also the International Society for Humor Studies.
Their latest book is designed to be used as a text, a resource, a foundation.
Don and Alleen retired from teaching at Arizona State University in 2011 and have kept busy writing and giving presentations related to humor across the disciplines at various retirement communities across Arizona. As you may be aware, they often share their Power Point slides about various aspects of humor studies with the AATH community.
They have developed this “Features, Functions, and Subjects of Humor” way of analyzing humor and have compiled a collection in this latest book. The language of humor does indeed cross disciplines and the authors have “narrowed it down” to 24 in this time: Anthropology and Ethnic Studies; Art; Business; Computer Science; Education & Children’s Lit; Gender Studies; Geography; Gerontology; History; Journalism; Law; Linguistics; Literature; Medicine & Health; Music; Names; Performing Arts; Philosophy; Physical Education & Sports Mascots; Politics; Psychology; Religion; Rhetoric & Composition; and Sociology.
At the end of each chapter, they provide “points of departure,” several talking points or exercises to contemplate and then share with the class or even instruction to write a short 200-word essay on a certain nuance. They point out that:
"Some humorists and humor scholars stress the features of humor, like ambiguity, exaggerations, understatement, hostility, incongruity, irony or surprise. Others stress the functions of humor, like to amuse, to tease, to test limits, to establish superiority or gain control, to bond people in a community or to cope. Some investigate the subjects of humor, often the most significant subjects in our lives – ethnicity, gender, political leanings, religious beliefs, sexuality, etc."
Don and Alleen address these features, functions, and subjects in their ongoing work and this book. Each chapter in The Language of Humor provides an array of examples to “stimulate discussion and interaction even in large classes.” Supplemental Power Points for each topic are also available online.
The extensive bibliography contains enough reading material on humor to last a lifetime. Spending a lifetime focusing on humor is what Don and Alleen have done. “We’ve devoted our lives to humor, and therefore, we find everything humorous. In our lives, everything is humorous.” What a way to live!
About the Author:
Kelly (Epperson) Simmons has written 30+ books, some for New York Times bestselling authors. She has been writing her weekly newspaper column since 2001, and is a judge for the international Erma Bombeck Essay Competition. As Book Coach and Editor, Kelly has helped countless clients fulfill their dreams of becoming an author. Kelly hosts workshops and retreats, teaches courses live and online, and is a popular speaker and teacher BOOKS CHANGE LIVES. The first to change is yours. It's time to write. NOW.
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Reading this post on “The Language of Humor: An Introduction” instantly reminded me how deeply humor shapes the way we tell our own stories, especially as someone currently pursuing a PhD while working part-time at Affordable Assignments to assist students who face the same academic struggles I once did. Humor has always felt like a bridge, something that softens the weight of deadlines, expectations, and the constant juggling of responsibilities; even when guiding students with their HND Assignment Help, I notice how a light, humorous tone can transform stress into something more manageable and human. Maybe that’s why I’m so conscious and protective of both my studies and the academic journeys of others, because during my college days, when the hustle…
As a current PhD student juggling research and a part-time role at Academic Editors, assisting students in their academic work, I found The Language of Humor: An Introduction fascinating in how it explores the nuances of humor across contexts. During my college days, I often struggled with expressing ideas clearly and navigating academic writing challenges, so I have a deep interest in helping others avoid similar hurdles. Working with a manuscript editing service UK has shown me how crucial careful editing and guidance can be not just for clarity, but for maintaining the author's voice and intent. Reading this book reminded me how humor, like precise academic language, requires awareness of subtleties, timing, and audience, and it reinforced my commitment to supporting…