Sponsor
Portland State University. Department of Speech Communication
First Advisor
Milton J. Bennett
Term of Graduation
Winter 1986
Date of Publication
2-20-1986
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech Communication
Department
Speech Communication
Language
English
Subjects
Wit and humor, Intercultural communication
DOI
10.15760/etd.5540
Physical Description
1 online resource (2, v, 110 pages)
Abstract
A review of the theoretical and empirical literature from the field of humor and from that of intercultural communication showed that no investigations dealt with the possibility that a sense of humor might serve as an indicator of intercultural communication effectiveness. This study was conducted in order to assess that possibility.
This paper has set out to answer the following questions: What cognitive processes are common to a sense of humor and to intercultural communication effectiveness? What does one's ability to create and appreciate humor say about that individual's potential for intercultural communication effectiveness? Through the review of the literature, specific connections were suggested as theoretical connecting points or parallels. The processes suggested as common to humor and intercultural communication included the following: the ability to note difference; the ability to note and appreciate incongruity; the ability to process information both analytically and synthetically; the ability to shift frame of reference; the ability to perceive, communicate and maintain multiple perspectives; a tolerance for ambiguity; the possession of an internal locus of control; and the ability to act and react appropriately to others and to context.
In an attempt to develop a theoretical link between these processes considered crucial to a sense of humor and to intercultural communication effectiveness, cognitive complexity theory was examined. Through this examination it was found that the cognitively complex individual possessed qualities and abilities consistent with those which had been found to be typical of people with a sense of humor and with people considered to be effective intercultural communicators. This suggested that cognitive complexity could serve as the theoretical tool by which a sense of humor may be seen as an indicator of intercultural communication effectiveness.
Rights
In Copyright. URI: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/20647
Recommended Citation
Tavano, Richard D., "Humor Creation and Appreciation as an Indicator of Intercultural Communication Effectiveness: Toward a Theoretical Model" (1986). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 3658.
https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.5540
Comments
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