Research Problems Problem Limitation

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E. Research Benefits

Some research has been conducted to analyze the language. Since this research applies linguistic theory especially pragmatic theory, this research analyzes language in relation to the speakers, conversation and context based on the humor theories. The research is expected to have benefits for some parts. Academic Benefits: 1. This research will contribute to pragmatics study, especially related to Cooperative Principle and verbal humor. 2. The research findings will enrich the theories of pragmatics related to Cooperative Principle. 3. This research can be used as an academic reference about a pragmatic analysis in the language based on comedy movies. Practical Benefits: 1. The students would be able to learn how pragmatic theories take part in the creation of verbal humor in TV-sitcoms comedy movies. 2. The teachers would know better about the implementation of Grice Cooperative Principle maxims in creating verbal humor on purpose. 3. For both teachers and students, the introduction of American sitcoms will also promote the understanding of American cultures and help to cultivate the interest in English. 7

F. Definition of Terms

For perceiving a clear understanding upon the discussion, it is better to know the meaning of terms used throughout the discussion: 1. Verbal humor Verbal humor is when an aspect of language, such as structural ambiguity, is exploited in order to achieve humorous effects Jensen, 2009, p. 1. 2. Humorous conversation In this research, a humorous conversation refers to a conversation which the humorous situation occurs for the reason that one or more logical maxims of CP are violated. 3. Grice’s Cooperative Principle The basic description of Grice’s cooperative principle governs how people ordinarily react in conversation: be true, be brief, be relevant and be clear. Cooperative Principle according to Grice is to ‘make your conversational contribution such as is required, at the stage at which it occurs, by the accepted purpose or direction of the talk exchange in which you are engaged’ Mooney, 2003, p. 1 4. Conversational maxims The maxims are the sub-principles of the cooperative principle. According to Grice’s theory, the conversational maxims try to explain how listener might get from the level of expressed meaning to the level of implied meaning Asher, 1994, p. 754. Grice proposed four maxims that are maxim of quality, maxim of quantity,