ENGLISH REVIEW: Journal of English Education ISSN 2301-7554 Vol. 5, Issue 1, December 2016 https://journal.uniku.ac.id/index.php/ERJEE
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE IN ENGLISH STAND-UP COMEDY
Maharani Widya Putri Department of English Education, University of Kuningan, Indonesia Email: [email protected]
Erwin Oktoma Department of English Education, University of Kuningan, Indonesia Email: [email protected]
Roni Nursyamsu Department of English Education, University of Kuningan, Indonesia Email: [email protected]
APA Citation: Putri, M. W., Oktoma, E., & Nursyamsu, R. (2016). Figurative language in English stand-up comedy. English Review: Journal of English Education, 5(1), 115-130
Received: 21-10-2016 Accepted: 18-11-2016 Published: 01-12-2016
Abstract: This descriptive qualitative research was about the analysis of figurative language in English stand-up comedy. The purposes of this study were to identify the types of figurative language and to describe the functions of figurative language found in the selected video of stand-up comedy show. The data source was taken from one of selected videos of Russell Peters stand-up comedy show. Russell Peters’s speech contained about figurative language in the video is observed. The data were collected through content analysis technique by collecting the verbal language used by Russell Peters. The first research questions was analyzed by McArthur (1992) theory and supported by Crystal (1994) theory to find out the types of figurative language found in English stand-up comedy. To answer the second research questions about the functions of figurative language found in English stand-up comedy was analyzed by Chunqi (2014) theory and suppoted by Kokemuller (2001) theory and Turner (2016) theory. After analyzing data, it was found that Irony was the most dominant figurative language used by Russell Peters in “Russell Peters Comedy Now! Uncensored” with 29.94%. It was happened because the kind of topics used by Russell Peters in that show were about ethnics (canadian, white people, black people, brown people and asian), society case (beating child) and culture (accent and life style of various ethnics in the world, habitual of various ethnics in the world). Irony and Hyperbole were needed dominantly in the performance, to entertain the audiences in the stand-up comedy show. The function of eleven types of figurative language which were used by Russell were concluded. The functions were to amuse people in comedic situations, to expand meaning, to explain abstract emotions, to make sentence interesting represented and give creative additions. Keywords : Figurative Language, Stand-Up Comedy, English Stand-Up Comedy.
INTRODUCTION produces feedback. Then, It has been known for decades that communication also can be done with communication can be done with a just a process of transmitting message process of interaction between sender from the sender to the listener without a and listener which uses message and feedback. One way communication is
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considered as a special way of seems to be important in Indonesia communicating because it produced society now. In line with (Papana 2012) several unique phenomena. Fenner as cited in (Fitri, 2013, p.22) states that (2003) says that “in one-way “stand up comedy has been popular in communication, information is Indonesia for the last two years, since transferred in one direction only from KOMPAS TV held a stand-up comedy the sender to the listener.” One-way Indonesia competition in September 2011 communication is limited because it just and brought this comedy show occurs in a straight line from sender to successfully into public.” So, if this listener and get little feedback. research can reveal one of unique As an example, stand-up comedy phenomena in stand-up comedy, this represents the unique realization of one- study will be useful for Indonesia society way communication. Astuti, Sada, who like watching stand-up comedy. Wardah (2013, p.2) mentions that Based on the background above, “...humor and joke transformed into the writer would like to answer the monolog activity and performed which following questions: “What are the types makes any listener and audience enjoy of figurative language found in the and pleasant that called as stand-up selected video of Stand-up comedy comedy.” In monologue activity, a stand- show?” and “What are the functions of up comedian talks to express ideas, figurative language found in the selected experiences, feelings, and opinions in video of Stand-up comedy show?” his/her mind. Humor can be delivered Based on the research questions in particular ways in stand-up comedy. above, the objectives of this research are, Most of stand-up comedy performance is as follows: to identify the types of presented in verbal ways because stand- figurative language found in the selected up comedian relies their performance on video of Stand-up comedy show and to their stories to make audiences describe the functions of figurative interested. In term of the language used language found in the selected video of by stand-up comedian, Chunqi (2014, Stand-up comedy show. p.276) mentions that “...in a stand-up comedian’s speech, there are figurative METHOD language, word play, puns, implication Descriptive qualitative method is and allusion as the linguistic aspect to used in this research. Cresswell (2012, make the performance interesting and p.247) mentions that, “description funny.” Figurative language as one of involves a detailed rendering of linguistics aspect make the verbal information about people, places, or communication used in stand-up events in a setting.” The types of comedy become more interesting and figurative language in the selected video stimulate feedback in the form of of Stand-up comedy show are described laughter. in detail in this research. In the field of semantic study, it is The selected video of Russell Peters quite ordinary to do a research about stand-up comedy show “Russell Peters figurative language in literary works Comedy Now! Uncensored” used as the because it can be found easily. Therefore, data source in this research. The url of conducting a semantic study with the video is different subject becomes very https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C interesting. Stand-up comedy research Pyyt0TmQjk which is published on
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March 11th, 2012. The duration of the video was 00:45:07. Russell Peters’s RESULTS AND DISCUSSION speech which contains about figurative After analyzed the data, for the language in the video is observed by the first research question it was answered writer. that there were found 167 (one hundred Based on techniques of collecting and sixty seven) utterance contained of data by Kothari (2004, p.110), content figurative language. McArthur (1992) analysis is used in this research. Kothari proposed fourteen types of figurative (2004, p.110) states that “the analysis of language; Alliteration, Chiasmus, content is a central activity whenever Euphemism, Hyperbole, Idiom, Irony, one is concerned with the study of the Litotes, Metaphor, Metonymy, nature of the verbal materials.” The Onomatopoeia, Oxymoron, Paradox, verbal language used by stand-up Personification and Simile. In the comedian in stand-up comedy show is selected video of Russell Peters stand-up analyzed by the writer to collect the data. comedy show, it was found eleven types The processes in collecting the data are; of figurative languages. Each figurative first, the video is watched by the writer languages types found in the selected then Russell Peters’s speech is video of Russell Peters’s stand-up transcribed. After that, each of Russell comedy show counted by using Peters’s speech which has an indication frequency of cummulative formula by to be figurative language is classified. Subana as cited in (Oktoma, & After finding the occurrences of Mardiyono, 2013, p. 79). figurative language in the data source, the first step in the analyzing process to FK rel = X 100% answer research questions is identifying 퐅퐊 the types of figurative languages found 횺퐅 by using the theory of figurative Where: language by McArthur (1992). Crystal’s FK = Frequency of cumulative (the theory (1994) also used to support and to number of occurences of figurative analyze Russell Peters’s speech which language types) can’t be analyzed by McArthur’s theory F = Frequency of total (the number (1992). From the theory, not only the of the whole occurences of figurative most dominant figurative language in Σ language types) the selected video of Russell Peters’s FK rel = Frequency of relative stand-up comedy show will be shown. cumulative (the result of percentages) But also the functions of figurative Subana as cited in (Oktoma, & language found in the selected video of Mardiyono, 2013, p. 79) Russell Peters’s stand-up comedy show The classification and percentage will be revealed clearly. In order to of figurative language used in the video reveal the function of figurative of Russell Peters – Comedy Now! language found in the selected video of Uncensored (2006) stand-up comedy Russell Peters’s stand-up comedy show, show could see in the table 4.4 Types of Chunqi’s theory (2014) will be used. Figurative Language and Occurrences Kokemuller’s theory (2001) and Turner’s Found in Russell Peters – Comedy Now! theory (2016) also will be used to support Uncensored (2006) below: Chunqi’s theory (2014).
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Table 1. Types of Figurative Language and Occurrences Found in Russell Peters – Comedy Now! Uncensored (2006) Number of No. Figurative language Percentage occurrences 1. Alliteration 7 4.20% 2. Chiasmus 8 4.80% 3. Euphemism - - 4. Hyperbole 40 23.95% 5. Idiom 9 5.38% 6. Irony 50 29.94% 7. Litotes 2 1.20% 8. Metaphor 3 1.80% 9. Metonymy 18 10.77% 10. Onomatopoeia 16 9.58% 11. Oxymoron - - 12. Paradox - - 13. Personification 3 1.80% 14. Simile 11 6.58% Total 167 100%
From the table above, it was shown utterances (29.94%) belonging to Irony, 2 that in the video of Russell Peters – utterances (1.20%) belonging to Litotes, 3 Comedy Now! Uncensored (2006) stand- utterances (1.80%) belonging to up comedy show, there were found 11 Metaphor, 18 utterances (10.77 %) (eleven) types of figurative languages. belonging to Metonymy, 16 utterances The types were Alliteration, Chiasmus, (9.58%) belonging to Onomatopoeia, 3 Hyperbole, Idiom, Irony, Litotes, utterances (1.80%) belonging to Metaphor, Metonymy, Onomatopoeia, Personification and 11 utterances Personification, and Simile. Euphemism, (6.58%) belonging to Simile. The most Oxymoron and Paradox were not found dominant of figurative language was in the video of Russell Peters – Comedy Irony with the number of occurrences Now! Uncensored (2006) stand-up was 50 (29.94%). The less figurative comedy show. language was Litotes with the number of From the table above, it could be occurrences was 2 (1.20%). known the number of occurrences of In the video of Russell Peters – figurative language in the video of Comedy Now! Uncensored (2006) stand- Russell Peters – Comedy Now! up comedy show, Russell Peters used Uncensored (2006) stand-up comedy Irony as the most figurative language show. There were only 167 types of used in his show. In his show, Russell figurative language which were found in wanted to deliver his stories in stand-up the Russell Peters’ utterances. There comedy in unique way by make an irony were 7 utterances (4.20%) belonging to statement almost in every utterance. As Alliteration, 8 utterances (4.80%) Chunqi (2014, p.227) states that “irony is belonging to Chiasmus, 40 utterances often taken as a common and incisive (23.95%) belonging to Hyperbole, 9 device for amusing people in comedic utterances (5.38%) belonging to Idiom, 50 situations.” Hyperbole also took in the
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second place as the most dominant of uncensored stand-up comedy show, figurative language use by Russell Peters Chunqi’s theory (2014) was used. in 40 utterances (23.95%). Chunqi (2014, Kokemuller’s theory (2001) and Turner’s p.227) also adds that “...hyperboles theory (2016) also was used to support creates a humorous effect by directing a Chunqi’s theory (2014). Kokemuller satirical implication at a person who is in (2001) has given a description about a superior social status. By using the what are the purposes of figurative hyperboles, the joke becomes indirect language in communication. and less aggressive in attacking the Figurative language plays a major target.” In the video of Russell Peters – role in compelling literary works. Comedy Now! Uncensored (2006) stand- Figurative language is a contrast to up comedy show, Russell told various literal language. Its primary purpose is topics in society. “Stand-up comedy to force readers to imagine or intuit what function not only to entertain people but an author means with an expression or also to present various current issues statement. Applying the right element in and topics ranging from ethnicity, making specific points in writing is gender, politics, to those considered necessary to make figurative language taboo” (Setyaningsih, 2013, p.145). The work. Regardless the tool, figurative topics were about ethnics (canadian, language strengthens or makes a point white people, black people, brown more compelling and effective people and asian), society case (beating (Kokemuller, 2001). child) and culture (accent and life style of Chunqi (2014) explains the finding various ethnics in the world, habitual of from his journal about the function of various ethnics in the world). Russell figurative language in stand-up comedy. used irony to express something by The functions were hyperbole used to using sarcastic expression. “...words with exaggerate reality by carrying beyond an implication opposite to their usual the boundaries of rational thought, irony meaning, ironic comment may be was often taken to infer the speaker’s humorous or mildly sarcastic” intention and to amuse people in (McArthur, 1992, p.532). Irony statement comedic situations, the last simile used was used by Russell to tell about ethnic to make analogy statement in stand-up and culture stories to amuse people in comedy more interesting and the comedic situations. Hyperbole was unexpected to the live audience. used to create an extra effect for comedy In this present study, various types statement. “Hyperbole is a rhetorical of figurative languages were used term for exaggeration or overstatement, because of particular function. The usually deliberate and not meant to be function of figurative language found in taken (too) literally” (McArthur, 1992, the selected Russell’s stand-up comedy p.491). Hyperbole was used by Russell to show presented below: tell stories about society case. So, Irony and Hyperbole were needed dominantly 1. Alliteration in the performance, to entertain the The first function of figurative audiences in the stand-up comedy show. language in stand-up comedy which will To answer the second research be presented is alliteration. Alliteration is question, in order to reveal the function sound device in figurative language. of figurative language found in the video “Alliteration is terms in rhetoric, poetics, of Russell Peters comedy now! and general usage for the repetition of
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the same sound, usually an initial language on the same sound or consonant such as the/in 'Fixed fate, free consonant in the word but chiasmus will, foreknowledge absolute'” hold the role on the balance structure (McArthur, 1992, p.29). In stand-up between two sentences. One of comedy, alliteration is used to give chiasmuses which be the sample was: creative additions. In line with Kokemuller (2001), alliteration is used to Utterance 10 (03:40) give an image in the form of playing • “You know, it’s not so much a sound to deliver stories. By using problem. It’s a problem if you want alliteration in telling the stories, the it to be problem.” audiences will think that the stories is In that sentence, Russell made a more interesting than usual stories sentence or phrase in which the order because alliteration gives sound of some words in the first sentence or phenomenon in communication. One of phrase is reversed in the sentence or alliterations which be the sample was: the phrase that follow. The arrangement of words, phrases and Utterance 75 (20:17) clauses were reversed with a phrase • I went to Italy.. the Italians thought I or clause that follows. If we heard a was Italian. stand-up comedian used chiasmus Russell used the repetition ly, lians like the exmaple above, it seemed to and lians in the word ‘italy’ in one be more interesting and easy listening sentence to give creative additions in because it used balancing structure. In telling the stories. As we know, a order to make the statement was stand-up comedian used a limited interesting to speak, chiasmus as one properties in stand-up comedy of types in figurative language can be performance. One of ways that can used. The way chiasmus represents they use to make their stories is two sentences in the complete catched by the audiences by playing sentence which has different meaning the word in telling the stories. In the makes chiasmus can be used to make show, Russell wanted to show his the word was interesting represented. skill in telling the stories interesting So, chiamsus used by stand-up by making a sentence which full with comedian to make sentence alliteration word. represented interesting.
2. Chiamus 3. Hyperbole The second function of figurative The third function of figurative language in stand-up comedy which language in stand-up comedy which will be presented is chiamus. will be presented is hyperbole. In According to McArthur (1992, p.209) stand-up comedy show, Russell used “chiasmus in rhetoric is an inversion hyperbole to make a dramatic effect in of word order that creates a his utterance because of counterbalancing effect in the second overstatement word. In line with of two linked phrases.” Chiasmus is a McArthur (1992, p.491) states that figure of speech in figurative “hyperbole is a rhetorical term for language which represents word play exaggeration or overstatement, like alliteration. The differences are usually deliberate and not meant to be alliteration hold the role of figurative
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taken (too) literally.” One of hyperbole, because the word which is hyperboles which be the sample was: used is not ordinary and has more meaning. One of idioms which be the Utterance 29 (07:27) sample was: • “Indian people has been in South Africa for like six, seven generations Utterance 12 (04:22) now.” • “I wouldn’t want my mom to pick my The sentence was overstatement clothes!” word. How can Russell Peters know That sentence means Russell has been that Indian people lived in South adult and know what he can do and Africa until seven generations while choose for his life. The sentence was he was born in 70’s. Chunqi (2014) trying to make a word has more than explains that the function of one meaning. By using that sentence, hyperbole used in stand-up comedy is audience’s will be interested, focussed to exaggerate reality by carrying and trying to interpret the sentence beyond the boundaries of rational because the sentence has an expand thought. In line with what meaning function. So, idiom used to Kokemuller (2001) says that “some expand meaning. figurative language is used to expand beyond the literal narrative in the 5. Irony story. Hyperbole is a grossly The fifth function of figurative exaggerated or excessive claim.” By language in stand-up comedy which overstating the word, audience’s will be presented is irony. “...words mind will be opened because the with an implication opposite to their meaning of the word has been usual meaning, ironic comment may expanded from the ordinary word. be humorous or mildly sarcastic” So, In stand-up comedy hyperbole (McArthur, 1992, p.532). In that stand- used to expand meaning. up comedy show, most of irony statement told about the way Russell 4. Idiom gave an ironic statement when he told The fourth function of figurative stories about ethnic cases between language in stand-up comedy which Chinese people and Indian people, will be presented is idiom. Idiom is a White people and Black people etc. figure of speech in figurative One of ironies which be the sample language which represents uniquely. was: “An expression unique to a language, especially one whose sense is not Utterance 47 (11:37) predictable from the meanings and • “Chinese people and Indian people arrangement of its elements” cannot do business together. Cos (McArthur, 1992, p.497). In stand-up Indian cannot live without a bargain comedy, idiom used to make the and Chinese people cannot give you audiences think deeply about what of a bargain.” stand-up comedian real utterance That sentence heard sarcasm but meaning. Therefore, they will be humorous. Because of Indian people curious and impressed because of the and Chinese have same characteristic moral lesson in idiom sentence itself. they can convince someone to be Idiom has a same function like wrong in selling and buying event.
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So, they couldn’t be united in selling almost has a same function but they and buying event. Russell wanted to have a different role. Litotes is more amuse audiences by stating the positive than irony although it uses popular issue in the society in that understatement word. So the function moment in ironic way. As the result, of litotes is similar like irony. It used almost the audiences involved in the to infer the speaker’s intention and room and laugh although Russell told to amuse people in comedic stories about certain ethnics issue in situations. ironic way. So, the function of irony in stand-up comedy here were to infer 7. Metaphor the speaker’s intention and to amuse The seventh function of figurative people in comedic situations. language in stand-up comedy which will be presented is metaphor. 6. Litotes Metaphor is one of rhetorical devices The sixth function of figurative in figurative language which uses language in stand-up comedy which comparison statement to make the will be presented is litotes. Litotes is a word is interpreted clearly. “A figure figure of speech in figurative language of speech which concisely compares which almost has same function like two things by saying that one is the irony. “Litotes is a positive and often other” (McArthur, 1992, p.653). emphatic statement made by denying Kokemuller (2001) states that using something negative” (Mc.Arthur, 1992, metaphor and simile is a simple way p.622). Litotes is an ironic making a statement about a person, understatement that uses a negative place or thing interpreted clearly. statement. It is the opposite of irony. If These tools allow you to make the the irony states something bad with the point by comparing one thing to good statement in ironic way, litotes another. By using metaphor, a states something good by using sentence will be created lively and negative statement in order to make the will make audiences understand statement friendly and down to earth. easily about satnd-up comedian One of litoteses which be the sample word. When audiences seemed to be was: easier in comprehending stand-up comedian speech, the situation will be Utterance 107 (27:21) created between audiences and stand- • “We know it’s not the coolest accent up comedian is more lively. One of in the world, you know” metaphors which be the sample was: That sentence showed understatement of the word which Utterance 164 (40:45) tells about that Indian people knew • “Yes I can. She’s a jackass.” their accent was unique when they In that sentence, Russell tried to use English. Russell used negative compare Ryan’s mother with jackass statement to tell audience that Indian although the comparison word (like, accent is not full bad, it is just unique as) was not shown. The example and different from others. The showed that by using figurative some statement is used more humble than utterances in a language would be in irony by understatement the word. presented in expressive way because Litotes in that stand-up comedy it uses the broader word. So, it will be
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clearer than the bland statement. By In creative works, some figurative using figurative some utterances in a language tools simply increase the language would be presented in creativity of the writing. Imagery is expressive way because it used the one of the simpler elements to broader word. It would be clearer understand. It is the use of than the bland statement. So, the descriptive, expressive language to function of metaphor was to make a give the reader a mental image life of stand-up speech in stand-up (Kokemuller, 2001). comedy performance. In the onomatopoeia utterances, Russell showed his skill in mimicking 8. Metonymy many accents of some ethnics in the The eighth function of figurative world. One of onomatopoeias which language in stand-up comedy which be the sample was: will be presented is metonymy. Crystal (1994) says in metonymy, Utterance 129 (30:57) symbol of a language or something is • Cause you’re saying stuff like used. “Metonymy is used to present a “Fuuuckkk asss!” (with donkey moral lesson or broader point by sound) “Buuuulshiiit!” “Yee haw! having a noun in the story represent Yee haw!” something beyond the story” In that statement, Russell was (Kokemuller, 2001). One of mimicking Donkey’s sound when he metonimies which be the sample was: told about the way Canadian people curse to someone. It sounded like Utterance 36 (09:36) donkey sound. By using that sound, • “Glad to see brown people in the Russell was seen to give a creative audience.” addition to his stories. So, his stories Brown in that statement refered to will draw audience’s attention. By Indian people. When Russell said showing that skill, it is shown that the ‘Brown people’ in that statement, the function of onomatopoeia is to give a audiences would think who is brown creative addition. people. So, audiences will try to extend their thought about that 10. Personification reference. It means the function of The tenth function of figurative metonymy in stand-up comedy is to language in stand-up comedy which expand meaning. will be presented is personification. Like in “metonymy is used to present 9. Onomatopoeia a moral lesson or broader point by The ninth function of figurative having a noun in the story represent language in stand-up comedy which something beyond the story” will be presented is onomatopoeia. As (Kokemuller, 2001). “Personification we know, figurative language was is used to give human qualities to an used in literary works in order to object or animal” (Kokemuller, 2001). make the language become Personification helps to relate ideas imaginative and give different insight. and objects to people, allowing an Because of that, the purpose of giving author to convey his meaning more a creative addition in here was effectively. One of personifications needed. which be the sample was:
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Utterance 131 (31:33) audience’s attention by making • “This is nice room tonight, you comaprison word. In line with know.” Chunqi (2014) says that simile is used In that statement ‘room’ as inaminate to make analogy statement in stand- object is given human characteristics up comedy more interesting and by using ‘nice’ word. Russell tried to unexpected to the live audience. So, give an image about his feeling in that the function of simile in stand-up show when he saw many people in comedy is to a life of stand-up speech stand-up comedy show’s room. in stand-up comedy performance. Turner (2016) says that “figurative From the explanation above, it was language can be used, however, to concluded and found that the functions explain abstract emotions such as of figurative language used in stand-up love, grief, envy and happiness. comedy are: first, Alliteration and Besides to expand meaning, Onomatopoeia were used to give a personification used in stand-up creative addition. Second, the function comedy to explain abstract emotions of Chiamus was to make sentence when a stand-up comedian in telling represented in interesting way. Third, story. If it concluded, the function of Hyperbole, Idiom, Metonymy and personification in stand-up comedy Personification were used to expand was to expand meaning and to meaning and to explain abstract explain abstract emotions. emotions. Fourth, Irony and Litotes were used to infer the speaker’s 11. Simile intention and to amuse people in The eleventh function of figurative comedic situations. Fifth, Simile and language in stand-up comedy which Metaphor were used to make a life of will be presented is simile. Simile uses stand-up comedy speech in stand-up a form of comparison in which one comedy performance. thing is compared to another unlike thing by using specific words of As mentioned before, this research comparison like: like, as in order to tried to reveal the analysis of figurative explain the word clearly by language in English stand-up comedy. comparing it to another. Simile has a Stand-up comedy show video which was similar function like metaphor. but used as the data source was the video of difference is the using of comparison Russell Peters – Comedy Now! word is in direct or indirect way. One Uncensored (2006) stand-up comedy Both of the examples made the bland show. In that video, Russell used various statements become colorful because it form of figurative languages to make his was presented in expressive way. One utterances was interesting. To reveal of similes which be the sample was: figurative language phenomenon, in this subsections the writer tried to explain Utterance 130 (31:00) clearly the conclusion and the discussion • “White people, when you swear you which were gotten from the finding data sound like donkeys” in this present study. That sentence showed the way Russell After analyzing the data, it was wanted to make the situations in the concluded that both of main research stand-up comedy show’s live by questions answered clearly. The first using simile word. He stimulated research question which told about types
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of figurative language were used in stand- brown people and asian), society case up comedy were figured out. By using (beating child) and culture (accent and McArthur’s theory (1992) and Crystal’s life style of various ethnics in the world, theory (1994), there were found eleven habitual of various ethnics in the world). types of figurative language from 167 Russell told about ethnic topic by using utterance. The types were Alliteration, general characteristic, like white people, Chiasmus, Hyperbole, Idiom, Irony, brown people, etc. In stand-up comedy, Litotes, Metaphor, Metonymy, the techniques is called as stereotypes Onomatopoeia, Personification and Simile. ethnic. In line with Setyaningsih (2013), Euphemism, Oxymoron and Paradox in her journal about Ethnic Stereotypes were not found in the video of Russell in Stand-up Comedy, she stated that to Peters – Comedy Now! Uncensored (2006) minimize the negative impact in telling stand-up comedy show. The most ethnic issue in stand-up comedy show, dominant of figurative language was Irony ethnic stereotypes could be used to make with the number of occurrences was 50 the jokes more smooth. In this present (29.94%) and the less figurative language study, figurative language in the form was Litotes with the number of Irony and Hyperbole used to make occurrences was 2 (1.20%). ethnic issue stories told in safe way but In the video of Russell Peters – still invited audiences to laugh. By using Comedy Now! Uncensored (2006) stand- ethnic topics and mix with Irony up comedy show, Russell Peters used statement and positive Hyperbole irony as the most figurative language statement, Russell hoped that expression used in his show. Probably, Russell used could draw audience’s attention in safe an ironic statement as the most dominant way. In conclusion, probably when figurative language in his speech Russell told about ethnic topic in Irony because he has a particular purpose and way and Hyperbole way, the jokes wanted to deliver his stories in stand-up becomes smooth and indirect but still comedy show in unique way. In line make audience to laugh and draw with what Chunqi (2014) states that Joe audience’s attention. Because of that, Wong as one of stand-up comedian in Irony is used dominantly by Russell his research used the most frequently Peters in his stand-up comedy show. figurative language like irony, hyperbole Litotes was the less figurative language to convey ironies expression about ethnic used by Russell Peters in that stand-up and culture topic, to attract audience’s comedy. Litotes is an ironic attention and to provoke laughter. understatement that uses a negative Hyperbole took in the second place as statement. It is the opposite of Irony. If the most dominant of figurative the Irony states something bad with the language used by Russell Peters in 40 good statement in ironic expression, utterances (23.95%). By using the Litotes states something good by using Hyperboles also, probably the joke negative statement in order to make the becomes indirect and less aggressive in statement friendly and down to earth. In attacking the target. In the video of that stand-up comedy, Russell didn’t tell Russell Peters – Comedy Now! much his stories in litotes way perhaps Uncensored (2006) stand-up comedy because his main topics in that stand-up show, Russell told various topics in comedy show were about ethnics. He society. The topics were about ethnics wanted to tell it much in ironic way than (canadian, white people, black people, in litotes way to make the stories became
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funnier in front of the audiences. So, Litotes in stand-up comedy here were to litotes became the less figurative infer the speaker’s intention and to language which was used in Russell amuse people in comedic situations. The Peters – Comedy Now! Uncensored next function can be found in the using (2006) stand-up comedy show. of Hyperbole, Metonymy and The second research question Personification. The function of which told about the functions of Hyperbole, Idiom, Metonymy and figurative language were used in stand- Personification were to expand meaning. up comedy were figured out. All of When telling about ethnic stories, each function of stand-up comedy could be functions of figurative language were concluded by using Chunqi’s theory shown clearly. Beside to expand (2014) and supported by Kokemuller’s meaning, figurative language also can be theory (2001) and Turner’s theory (2016). used to explain abstract emotions and In his journal, Chunqi (2014) told about creative additions in the speech of stand- linguistic perspective used by two stand- up comedian. up comedian in delivering humour on The next function can be shown the stage. One of stand-up comedian through the using of Metaphors and there, used figurative language to make Similes. Metaphors and Similes in his performance draw audience attention Russell’s utterance made the bland and make audience to laugh. In his statements become colorful because it is journal, it was found that just Irony, presented in expressive way. By using Hyperbole, Simile and Metaphor were figurative some utterances in a language types of figurative language that could would be presented in expressive way make jokes became funny. Moreover, the because it used the broader word. It function of figurative language which would be clearer than the bland were found were just limited to the statement. So, the function of Simile and fourth types. In this present study, Metaphor here were to make a life of because 11 (eleven) types of figurative stand-up speech in stand-up comedy language were found, this present study performance. The next function can be was developed from Chunqi’s journal shown through the using of Chiasmus. (2014). The function of eleven types of Russell made a Chiasmus sentence or figurative language which were used by phrase in which the order of some words Russell was concluded. The functions are in the first sentence or phrase is reversed to amuse people in comedic situations, to in the sentence or the phrase that follow. expand meaning, to explain abstract The arrangement of words, phrases and emotions, to make sentence represented clauses were reversed with a phrase or in interesting way and give creative clause that follows. If we heard a stand- additions. Each function was shown in up comedian used chiasmus, it seemed different types of figurative language to be more interesting and easy listening used by Russell Peters. The first function because it used balancing structure. So, is shown through the using of Irony and the function of Chiasmus is to make Litotes in that stand-up comedy. Most of sentence represented in interesting way. Irony statement in that stand-up comedy The last function could be shown told about the way Russell gave an ironic through the using of Onomatopoeia and statement when he told stories about Alliteration in that stand-up comedy ethnic cases between Chinese people and show. As we know, figurative language Indian people, the function of Irony and was used in literary works in order to
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make the language become imaginative From the percentage above we can and give different insight. Because of see that the most dominant of figurative that, the purpose of onomatopoeia and language was Irony with the number of alliteration in that stand-up comedy occurrences was 50 (29.94%). The less were to give a creative addition. figurative language was Litotes with the number of occurrences was 2 (1.20%). CONCLUSION Russell Peters used Irony as the This study investigates figurative most figurative language used in his language in English stand-up comedy show. Russell wanted to deliver his show. Figurative language as one of the stories in stand-up comedy show in communication strategies is used by unique way by make an irony statement people to express the inner feeling and to combined with positive hyperbole make the communication more expressive, statement almost in every utterance. imaginative and colorful. After analyzing Hyperbole also took in the second place one of selected videos of Russell Peters’s as the most dominant of figurative stand-up comedy show in chapter 4, the language use by Russell Peters in 40 writer found many particular ways and utterances (23.95%). By using the complex sentences to express the hyperboles, the joke becomes indirect conclusion. The conclusion is based on the and less aggressive in attacking the research question, that is what are types of target. In the video of Russell Peters – figurative language found in stand-up Comedy Now! Uncensored (2006) stand- comedy and what are the functions of up comedy show, Russell told various figurative language used in stand-up topics in society. The topics were about comedy. From this study, it is concluded ethnics (canadian, white people, black that Russell as the stand-up comedian in people, brown people and asian), society the selected video of stand-up comedy case (beating child) and culture (accent used various figurative language. There and life style of various ethnics in the were 11 (eleven) types of figurative world, habitual of various ethnics in the language which were used. The types world). Russell told about ethnic topic in were Alliteration, Chiasmus, Hyperbole, irony way and hyperbole way, to make Idiom, Irony, Litotes, Metaphor, the jokes becomes smooth and indirect. Metonymy, Onomatopoeia, Because of that, Irony is used Personification and Simile. From 167 dominantly by Russell Peters because he utterance contained figurative language, wanted to attract audience attention. In there were 7 utterances (4.20%) belonging conclusion, probably by using ethnic to Alliteration, 8 utterances (4.80%) topics and mix with irony statement and belonging to Chiasmus, 40 utterances positive hyperbole statement, Russell (23.95%) belonging to Hyperbole, 9 hoped that expression could draw utterances (5.38%) belonging to Idiom, 50 audience’s attention, made the irony utterances (29.94%) belonging to Irony, 2 statement become smooth and provoked utterances (1.20%) belonging to Litotes, 3 audience’s laughter. utterances (1.80%) belonging to Metaphor, Litotes was the less figurative 18 utterances (10.77 %) belonging to language used by Russell Peters in that Metonymy, 16 utterances (9.58%) stand-up comedy. In that stand-up belonging to Onomatopoeia, 3 utterances comedy, Russell didn’t tell much his (1.80%) belonging to Personification and stories in litotes way because his main 11 utterances (6.58%) belonging to Simile. topics in that stand-up comedy show
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Maharani Widya Putri, Erwin Oktoma, Roni Nursyamsu Figurative Language in English Stand-Up Comedy
were telling about ethnics issue in towards stand-up comedy in speaking interesting way. He wanted to tell it spoof monologue. English Language much in ironic way than in litotes way to Education Study Program of FKIP Untan. make the stories became funnier in front 1-13. Retrieved from jurnal.untan.ac.id/index.php/jpdpb/a of the audiences. rticle/view/6872. The functions of figurative Chunqi, L. (2014). Two Immigrant Humor language found in the selected video of Styles of Stand-up Comedy (A stand-up comedy are: Linguistic Perspective). International - Alliteration and Onomatopoeia were Conference on Education, Language, Art used to give a creative addition in and Intercultural Communication Russell’s utterance. (ICELAIC 2014), 176 - 279. Hebei - Chiasmus was used to make Vocational College of Foreign sentence interesting represented. Languages, Qinhuandao China: - Hyperbole, Idiom, Metonymy and Atlantis Press. Retrieved from http://www.atlantis- Personification were used to expand press.com/php/download_paper.php meaning. %3Fid%3D12518&ved=0ahUKEwig38 - Irony and Litotes were used to infer 2kPnMAhUCKpQKHYvBAhMQFggc the speaker’s intention and to amuse MAA&usg=AFQjCNHSJUfKHyX6am people in comedic situations. TGChFJxD8gbIC6xA&sig2=bLBbdET1 - Simile and Metaphor were used to JaEtMS1GDnN6ig make a life of stand-up speech in Cresswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: stand-up comedy performance. Fourth edition. Lincoln: Univesity of Thus, figurative language in this Nebraska. world has various types. The types can Crystal, D. (1994). The cambridge encyclopedia of the English language. New York: be found in people communication. That Cambridge University Press. language is used to make word widely Fenner, S. (2003). One way communication: described and to give a special effect to definition, advantages & example. listener. Many functions and reason can Retrieved from be found when someone uses figurative http://www.study.com/academy/les language in communication. The son/one-way-communication- functions itself can come from the definition-advantages-examples.html situation in communication, etc. But the Fitri, F.R. (2013). Discourse of Chinese most domminant function is created Indonesia in Ernest Prakasa’s show in from the needs of people itself in stand-up comedy. Alussion Publication, 2(2), 21-28. Retrieved from communication. journal.unair.ac.id. Kokemuller, N. (2001). What’s the purpose of REFERENCES figurative language. Retrieved from Anonymous. Figurative language, Retrieved http://classroom.synonym.com/what from http://figurativelanguage.net/ s-purpose-figurative-language- Anonymous. Russell Peters comedy now 21752.html uncensorred (2006). Retrieved from Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research methodology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= (Second revised edition). New Age CPyyt0TmQjk International. Anonymous. Russell Peters. Retrieved from McArthur, T. (1992). The oxford companion to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russe the English language. New York: Oxford ll_Peters University Press. Astuti, P., Sada, C., & Wardah. (2013). An analysis of students’ perception
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Oktoma, E., & Mardiyono, S. (2013). The LMAhWBrI8KHVJDCSkQFggaMAA& analysis of presupposition in the short usg=AFQjCNFiiWmU7ledU_ro_HSTG stories of silvester goridus sukur. 9d0FffsZA&sig2=x07BV_dvLC6NbVV English Review: Journal of English K7O3wpQ Education, 2(1), 76-86. Turner, L. L. (2016). What’s the purpose of Setyaningsih, N. (2013). Ethnic Stereotypes in figurative language. Retrieved from Stand-up Comedy. Faculty of http://education.seattlepi.com/whats Humanities, Dian Nuswantoro -purpose-figurative-language- University, Semarang. Prosiding The 5th 5137.html International Conference on Indonesian Yuri. A, R., & Rosa, R. N. (2013). An analysis Studies “Ethnicity and Globalization.” of types of figurative language used in 144 – 157. Retrieved from internet advertisement. FBS https://iccssis.files.wordpress.com/20 Universitas Negeri Padang, 72 – 79. 13/09/2013-02- Retrieved from ejournal.unp.ac.id 13.pdf&ved=0ahUKEw19tvbw-
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Duck
A duck walks into a feed store and asks, "Got any duck feed?" The clerk tells him, "No, we don't have a market for it so we don't carry it." The duck says, "Okay," and leaves. The next day, the duck again walks in to the feed store and asks, "Got any duck feed?" Again the clerk says no and the duck leaves. Next day, the duck once again walks in, and asks, "Got any duck feed?" The clerk says, "I've told you twice, we don't have duck feed, we've never had duck feed and we never will have duck feed. If you ask me again, I'll nail your feet to the floor." The duck leaves. The next day, the duck walks in and asks, "Got any nails?" "No." "Got any duck feed?" (Source: http://www.study-express.ru/humour/funny-stories.shtml
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