Taking Humor Seriously: Student Recognition of Humor's Value Reveals the Importance of Mirth in the Classroom

幽默與語言習得之研究

胡迪(Timothy R. Fox)

《Hwa Kang Journal of TEFL》 3期 (1997/05) Pp. 61-90

https://doi.org/10.6362/HKJTEFL.199705.0061

摘要

本文設計五個問題，分析學生對幽默在語言教室的價值觀。本文主要探討學生對幽默在減少焦慮與增進師生默契所扮演的角色；此外，並探討學生對幽默與提高學習動機及降低厭煩之意見。問卷調查結果印證幽默對語言學習之重要性，值得深入研究。本文在問卷資料分析之前，探討「自然學習法」中與幽默在語言教室一些相同要素之重要性。接著探討一些最近的研究發現，所提示英語教學者應審慎使用幽默以及幽默對語言學習之重要性。本文以幽默可以促成的四個教學目標作為結論。

並列摘要

This paper analyses the results of five survey questions designed to evaluate the hypothesis that students both recognize and appreciate the value of humor in the language acquisition classroom. Specifically, the survey examines student attitudes regarding the role humor plays in reducing anxiety and encouraging a better rapport between the student and teacher; it also examines student opinions regarding the motivational aspect of humor, and its ability to oppose boredom. An analysis of the data lends support to the hypothesis, and implies the importance of a further and more in-depth examination of the question of humor in the language classroom. This writing begins, however, by introducing the Natural Approach to language acquisition, which explains the relevance of affinity seeking behaviors in the classroom. Following this is an overview of relatively recent research findings that appear to suggest that instructors should approach humor with some degree of caution, but which nevertheless supports the role of humor in the classroom. Offered at the conclusion of this writing are four instructional goals which humor can help facilitate.