Usage of English Language to Invoke Humour: A Study of Telugu Cinema

GSK, Kiran and Jalli, Indira (2018) Usage of English Language to Invoke Humour: A Study of Telugu Cinema. PhD thesis, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad.

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Abstract

This research is an attempt to understand humour from a linguistic perspective in Telugu cinema from 1950-1980’s. The presence of English has become an integral part of Telugu cinema in various forms. It is even more visible in the genre of comedy where the presence of language has a unique and profound role in churning out comic sequences. This study examines the ways by which humour is created in a language (English). Humour is an influential form of cinematic representation and this study of language in comedy looks at the ways in which certain attitudes are established or challenged by its use in cinematic sequences. An extensive look into the development of this sub-genre traces out how language humour is operated in a socio-cultural context and helps to analyse the recurring themes and conventions central to it. Sometimes the language humour is used to pepper the film with, mostly social, messages which has the capacity to reach an audience far and wide. These depictions contribute to the audience perceptions of the world, and in relation to this study, perceptions about social issues. The presence of language humour has made great strides in comedy genre and their on-screen portrayal has evolved over the years along with the evolution of Telugu cinema. The character portrayals, plot themes and context of the films as case studies are studied to ascertain how language humour has developed and evolved during those years.

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