Abstract: The impolite phenomenon has long been considered as a cause of social discord. Until recently some scholars have begun to notice the importance of impoliteness, and conducted researches on impolite phenomena from different angles. Studies have shown that impoliteness can not be simply treated as an uncivilized behavior or utterance to attack one’s face, but also can have some positive effects in particular contexts. This study focuses on verbal impoliteness of humor in Russell Peters’ Talk Show to reveal how Mr. Peters uses impoliteness language to achieve humorous effects. Based on the data collected from Russell Peters’ Talk Show, the analysis is carried out to explore the humor from the perspective of impoliteness. Culpeper’s impoliteness theory will be set as a framework in which five impoliteness strategies are put forward: bald on record impoliteness strategy; positive impoliteness strategy; negative impoliteness strategy; sarcasm or mock politeness strategy and withhold politeness strategy. This study aims to not only introduce a new research perspective to analyze humor, but also add to our understanding of impoliteness in verbal interaction.

Key words: Impoliteness strategy; Talk show; humor

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review1

  2.1 Impoliteness Theory Abroad

  2.2 Impoliteness Theory at Home

  2.3 Introduction to Russell Peters’ Talk Show

3. Strategies in Russell Peters’ Talk Show4

  3.1 Bald on Record Impoliteness

3.2 Positive Impoliteness

  3.3 Negative Impoliteness

  3.4 Sarcasm or Mock Politeness

  3.5 Withhold Politeness

4. Conclusion10

Bibliography.11

Acknowledgements.12