Abstract: Humor is a complicated linguistic form which is reflective of the cultural features of a language and the life attitudes of its speakers. With the intention of discovering and construing the application of verbal humor in talk shows from the perspective of Relevance Theory by listing and analyzing the characteristics, functions and pragmatic skills involved in verbal humor, this thesis, on the basis of relevant researches on humor, applies Relevance Theory and adopts case study methodology with the famous British talk show Russell Howard’s Good News as linguistic corpus. Hopefully, it might help improve English learners’ understanding of humor in talk shows and foster in them a sense of humor as well so that they could better enhance their comprehension and application of verbal humor. 

Key words: Relevance Theory; humor; talk shows; Russell Howard’s Good News

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction1

2. Relevance Theory.1

2.1 Definition

2.2 Two Principles 

3. Overview of Humor.3

3.1 Definition 

3.2 Relevant Studies at Home and Abroad  

3.3 Verbal Humor in Talk Show

4. Analysis of Verbal Humor in Russell Howard's Good News from Relevance Theory5

4.1 Introduction and Research Significance of Russell Howard's Good News from Relevance Theory

4.2 Verbal Humor in Russell Howard's Good News

4.2.1 Characteristics of Verbal Humor

4.2.2 Functions of Verbal Humor 

4.2.3 Pragmatic Skills of Verbal Humor 

5. Conclusion12

Bibliography.13

Acknowledgements15