Humor & Cross‐CulturalCommunication
John Rucynski (教育推進機構)
2023 Okayama University Teaching AwardCeremony

Presentation Outline
I. Introduction: Why a course on humor?
II. Course backgroundIII. Cross‐cultural humor misunderstandingcase study example
IV. Student reactions & topics

Humor: A Double‐Edged Sword?
Konrad Lorenz:“Laughter forms a bond, but it
simultaneously draws a line.”
笑いは絆を作るが、同時に線引きをしてしまうFeatures ofthe Course

Features of the Course
I. Diversity
Students from 10+ countries:
Australia, Bulgaria, China, England, France, Germany, Japan,Malaysia, the Philippines, Poland,, USA....
II. Student‐centered learning
Focus on active learning and real‐world experiencesHumor: A Double‐Edged Sword?
Konrad Lorenz:“Laughter forms a bond, but it
simultaneously draws a line.”
笑いは絆を作るが、同時に線引きをしてしまうFeatures of the Course
III. Unique Subject & Themesa. Stereotypes in humor
b. Crossing borders with humor
c. Verbal irony & sarcasm
d. Satirical newse. Humor and social issues
f. Cross‐cultural humor misunderstanding case studies

Misunderstanding Case
Study Example:Sarcasm & Verbal Irony

A Real World Incident(Hanshin Tigers Baseball Team)
Matt Murton, American, batter

Atsushi Nohmi, Japanese,pitcher

Matt Murton in Japan

2010: Broke single‐
season hits record
2011: Led the team inhits
2012: Was struggling;humor
misunderstandingHumor Misunderstanding: 2012 Season
Murton made a bad defensive Japanese Reporter: Did you
play during the game (whiletryyourhardest
whenyouNohmi was pitching)made that throw?

Murton: No. I don’t likeNohmi, so I let the otherteam score a run…

Next Day Sports Newspaper Headlines?

Case Study Discussion
1. What is the best solution
to this incident?
2. What action(s) would you
take as the manager orgeneral manager?
3. What action(s) would you
take as Matt Murton?
4. Who is most to blame forthe misunderstanding?

Possible perspectives /feelings to consider:• Matt Murton• Murton’s interpreter• Atsushi Nohmi• The reporter / reporters• FansWritten Reaction Prompts
1. What is your general reaction to the Matt Murton sarcasm
incident? For example, do you feel Murton should havebeen punished in some way? Do you think he should havebeen made to apologize to Nohmi (his teammate) or others?
2. Do you think sarcasm should be included as part ofEnglish language education? If so, what aspects (e.g.,detection, reaction, production) should be focused on?

Student Reactions

Prompt 1 Student Reaction“I don’t think he should be punished for it, but they have toteach him what caused this problem and how he can handle itbetter in the future…
Preventing incidents like this from happening should be the jobof managers and recruiters of teams that hire people fromother countries and cultures. They need to give them briefings
on differences in culture...” (Germany)

Prompt 1 Student Reaction“The main problem I believe was the Japanese sports media
ultimately looking for a headline, in order to sell theirproduct…
...Murton should have probably done some more research into
how the Japanese perceive things like sarcasm, but the sports
media should have just asked for a foreign opinion on Murton’scomments.” (England)

Prompt 2 Student Reaction“I had a unique experience studying English as my family
moved to a predominantly English speaking country when Iwas younger…
However, me having had that experience which helped meunderstand, detect, and use sarcasm properly I believe it
greatly elevated my language proficiency as well as helped me
get along better with Native‐English speaking people.”(Bulgaria)

Final Presentations:
Independent ResearchIndependent Research Topics
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How Kimie Oshima spread rakugo overseas
コンビニ・コンフェッションズ ーFast-paced mockumentary style comedy from Japan gaining traction overseas
Language as a weapon: a look into French equivalents of humour such as “esprit”, “humeur” and “farce” + other specificcharacteristics that sets it apart from other countries
Examining “manzai” and why it is difficult for non-Japanese to get (enjoy) this type of humor
To find out how the famous comedian, Trevor Noah, with an accent from various countries managed to win the hearts ofaudiences around the world
Examining the reception of pointed topics (politics, naming specific people, social issues) in Japanese comedy, specificallythrough the career of Daisuke Muramoto
The comedy scape in Apartheid South Africa
Examining ‘funny politicians’- how political actors use humor on Twitter
The usage of satire in politics; and a look into how the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, went wrong
The similarity of sarcastic words between England and Kyoto
The impact of the use of humor in international relations: Can humor transcend international/cultural barriers?
Kazari Eigo “Decoration English” and mistranslations, humor and danger of“Oh, So You Want to Learn About Sarcasm?” - What is sarcasm, and why is it so popular in the UK?
Exploring American stand-up comedy and Asian stand-up comedy: Are there any similarities or differences?
Filipino Humor within America via comedians and social media comediansHappy Ending: “I love Nohmi!”Humor & Cross‐CulturalCommunication
John Rucynski
教育推進機構2023 Teaching Award Ceremony