Humor in the Second-Language Classroom
Subject Area
Foreign Language Pedagogy
Abstract
As professors of second languages in tertiary institutions, we know that humor can be used effectively as a pedagogical tool in the second-language classroom. We are also cognizant of the fact that humor can be instrumental in creating a classroom environment that is non-threatening and that is conducive to learning the second language in question.
In this paper, various empirical elements and types of humor will be discussed, from the traditional to the contemporary. Teaching strategies using humor implemented in the second language classroom will be discussed and explained, within the context of the ACTFL-recommended Communicative Approach to second-language acquisition. The many uses of humor will be analyzed and practical suggestions will be made in regards to the many applications of humor which can be utilized in the second-language classroom.
The presentation will end with a discussion and an explanation of the types of humor that have worked in the second-language classroom and a description of those types that have not yielded positive results in the classroom. In addition, the pitfalls and dangers inherent in using specific types of humor in the classroom will be mentioned, with the intention of creating an awareness in the faculty of what types of humor to avoid, especially in this politically charged learning environment.
Brief Bio Note
Dr. Durán is Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at USC Aiken.
A native of Belize, Central America, Dr. Durán received his B.Ed. from McGill University, Montreal, Canada in 1979, his M.A. in Romance Languages from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1984 and his Ph. D. from the same institution in 1988.
He is the author of several books. His most recent titles are An Anthology of Belizean Literature, the first published anthology of the literature of Belize including works in all four languages of the country, and El Hombre Ahogado, a Spanish translation of Phebe Davidson's The Drowned Man.
Keywords
L2 Pedagogy, Humor
Location
Coastal Georgia Center
Presentation Year
2016
Start Date
4-8-2016 3:30 PM
End Date
4-8-2016 3:50 PM
Embargo
11-11-2015
Recommended Citation
Durán, Victor M., "Humor in the Second-Language Classroom" (2016). South East Coastal Conference on Languages & Literatures (SECCLL). 73.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/seccll/2016/2016/73
Humor in the Second-Language Classroom
Coastal Georgia Center
As professors of second languages in tertiary institutions, we know that humor can be used effectively as a pedagogical tool in the second-language classroom. We are also cognizant of the fact that humor can be instrumental in creating a classroom environment that is non-threatening and that is conducive to learning the second language in question.
In this paper, various empirical elements and types of humor will be discussed, from the traditional to the contemporary. Teaching strategies using humor implemented in the second language classroom will be discussed and explained, within the context of the ACTFL-recommended Communicative Approach to second-language acquisition. The many uses of humor will be analyzed and practical suggestions will be made in regards to the many applications of humor which can be utilized in the second-language classroom.
The presentation will end with a discussion and an explanation of the types of humor that have worked in the second-language classroom and a description of those types that have not yielded positive results in the classroom. In addition, the pitfalls and dangers inherent in using specific types of humor in the classroom will be mentioned, with the intention of creating an awareness in the faculty of what types of humor to avoid, especially in this politically charged learning environment.
