Teaching Reflection: What is Humor?

It has been a whole semester in the making, but after learning an incredible amount on this very subject throughout this spring term I am finally ready to tackle this question...

So, what is humor?

Humor does not equal laughter (which for some reason is the number one thing from Dr. Hubbard's lectures that pops up in my brain when the topic of humor is brought up, haha). It is, as I like to describe it in the simplest of terms, a capacity to perceive or express what is funny.

There are four different functions that humor serves in communication: identification, enforcement, clarification, and differentiation. There are three different theories of humor: relief, incongruity, and superiority. These functions and theories serve as a mechanism to better describe and analyze the role that humor has in our lives and the instances in which it is used/found.

Humor is a language that practically everyone can understand. Humor plays a large role in effective communication by allowing people to build connections and trust with one another. It also plays a role in diffusing tension and breaking down barriers.

Humor, like any form of communication, has its dangers. From being used as a tool to cope in an unhealthy manner to self-deprecation, humor can be used in a negative manner to create division or to possibly harm and stereotype others.

The importance of humor and its role in everyday life cannot be measured.

I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about humor this semester and I feel as though I have a better understanding and overall appreciation for the importance of humor and its role in communication.

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