Irony also requires a familiar usage of the idioms of the language. I find
that lacking in a substantial percentage of individuals, depending on the
part of the country I am traveling in. I spent the afternoon with a boss
who tries hard but doesn't get this kind of speech. It can be trying for
both of us I guess.
And I believe I have heard that puns are considered the most intelligent
form of humor. They also involve playing with the meanings of words. But
to say that seems a little self indulgent if one enjoys that form of
humor. Oh, well. I guess it is better to enjoy life and it's little
pleasures than to worry too much about how one is perceived.
Another form of speaking that is easily misunderstood is satire. I read
recently that young people hear the words but don't hear the sarcasm in the
voice, and teenagers hear the sarcastic tone but not the actual words
spoken. I have tried to not use that delightful tool of speech in teaching
since that time, regretfully with pleasant results. ;-0
gregg
I have a theory about irony - developed from watching several flame wars
on chat lists. Generally speaking, Americans have an unfortunate
reputation for not 'hearing' irony. I was puzzled by this - after all,
this is the people who gave us Thurber, etc. They know what it is. But
still, there was the evidence - endless arguments on lists triggered by
misunderstood ironic comments.
I speculated - what is it about American usage that suggests that ironies
are missed. Best I could come up with is a Seinfeld theory. In American
usage, irony exists and even abounds but is signalled - "Hey, this comment
is ironic" (you can tell by my tone, facial expression, etc.) However, in
British usage, (and Australian, and in French I suspect) irony is
virtually the dominant form of speech. There is no signal - you expect it
at any time.
Consequently Europeans consider Americans to be a bit simple and Americans
consider Europeans to be devious - neither true, even in a general sense.
(Tourists excepted) [Ironic comment]. In a forum like this, where
non-verbal signals are impossible and emoticons can be misunderstood, such
errors are frequent and only goodwill and experience keeps it friendly.
Of course, you shouldn't take ANY of the above seriously - I'm not
American after all! :)
AndrewF
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
:) :) :) :) :)
(Now I've done that, I can deny any malicious intent and accuse objectors
of being, er, well....)
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