„Przychodzi baba do lekarza…”
„A Woman Comes to a Doctor…“

Not Funny, Old, Embarrassing Jokes in Classes of Polish as a Foreign Language

Author(s): Katarzyna Kołak-Danyi
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Polish Literature, Philology
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: language joke; ethnic joke; black humour; cultural and linguistic competence; theory of humour
Summary/Abstract: Language jokes are undoubtedly useful and valuable material for teachers of foreign languages. They transmit culture, spread comprehensive knowledge of a given society, its beliefs and history. In times of crisis they can – like a barometer of social moods – indicate the ability to distance from problems and cope with troubles. Nevertheless, they are not often used in classes of Polish as a foreign language. The article aims to draw attention to the categories of language jokes, which used in classes for foreigners can result in different reactions, other than intended katharsis: from misunderstanding and consternation to embarrassment and offence.

• Details
• Contents