Job Discussion Forums

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 6:07 am Post subject: Sarcasm: The Final Frontier

Why is it that sarcasm is so difficult to teach, and practically impossible for students to understand? Nay, even extremely difficult for highly-advanced English speakers to get? I've worked with many non-native teachers and each of them had a difficult time using and responding to sarcasm (or what we refer to as "taking the pi$$"). Even many native speakers have a hard time recognizing it. Why?

To me, it's a higher form of communication that goes beyond mundane everyday "safe" topics. Granted, I usually reserve it for those who can appreciate it in liberal doses, even though at times I catch myself throwing it out just to see if it sticks. I also use it as a way to forge a bond with those I like...

Any thoughts?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

You've answered your own question...

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:42 pm Post subject:

Indeed, but how would you teach it / explain it to a nonnative speaker?

culfy · Joined: 17 May 2004 Posts: 41

This is such an interesting topic.!

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 11:34 pm Post subject:

Some cultures don't do sarcasm.

Koreans don't.

And even among native English speakers there are plenty of people who never use sarcasm.

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:19 am Post subject:

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I think you mean 'rakugo'.

And no, of course you won't get all jokes, even in your own language. I would find it hard to believe there is no sarcasm in Korean, but I suppose it is possible.

Yes, sarcasm doesn't always go over well, even jokes for that matter. Definately a tricky area to learn.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Sarcasm and humour in general is closely intwined with culture. That's why we have a hard time understanding sarcasm from other countries. The Brits have it down pat though. I like the dry British humour rather than the in-yer-face variety.

Spend 5-10 years away from your home country and you'll find you don't get many of the jokes any more.

khmerhit · Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:35 pm Post subject:

Really....You don't say..... Fascinating. Ever read Bergson on humour? Side-splitting.

Wink

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Yes, I meant rakugo. Thanks. Now, if I can get my 2-year-old off my lap when I type, there won't be any typos in the future...

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

the things some 2 year olds will say...

Perpetual Traveller · Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 651 Location: In the Kak, Japan

Lynn · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 696 Location: in between

Sarcasm is not a form of humor in Japan. My very sarcastic American friend said to a Japanese person when coming in from a windy rainy day, "今日はいい天気ですね。� He just looked at her like she was nuts. And I said to her, "of course he did. You just said, "What a beautiful day!" that doesn't make any sense to say on a miserable day in Japanese." She then thought I was nuts.

I personally think I fit in well in Japan because I am not a sarcastic person.

I do like British tv shows like, "Absolutely Fabulous" and "Coronation Street". I suppose "Coronation" is more of a drama, though.

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 4:25 am Post subject:

Yeah, and British food is absolutely fabulous too! Twisted Evil