FROM PUNCH LINE TO PERSUASION: EXPLORING THE USE OF STYLISTIC FEATURES IN COMEDIC LINGUISTICS

Abstract

Inevitably, it is hard to grasp a witty joke in second language when the first language of the target audience is different one. For sure, the comedians needs extra effort to bring the desired and prerequisite response to carry on their witty jokes. This paper examines the realm of humor within the context of stand-up comedy focusing on the performances of Indian comedian Kanan Gill (in English). Through multimodal analysis, the study reveals the intricate delicacies that converge the creation of humor where language, laughter and rhetoric intersect. It analyses the effective use of stylistic devices, linguistic and extra-linguistic features in verbal comedy. This research employs a theoretical framework of Berger’s (1993) rhetorical devices and Keraf’s (2006) language concepts in speech dynamics. The findings highlight Gill’s use of stylistic devices in humor to explore the contextual awareness in social interactions. His comedic repertoire flawlessly blends rhetoric devices and linguistic and paralinguistic techniques, resulting in entertaining and thought-provoking comedy. The results mirror the deeper insights of humor and its capacity to serve as a medium for reflection, resistance, and cultural expression.