The language of humor : an introduction Introduction: Much of todays communication is carried out through various kinds of humor and we therefore need to be able to understand its many aspects. Written by two of the worlds leading pioneers in humor studies Alleen and Don Nilsen explore how humor can be explained across the numerous sub disciplines of linguistics. Drawing on examples from language play and jokes in a range of real life contexts such as art business marketing comedy creative writing science journalism and politics the authors use their own theory of Features Functions and Subjects of Humor to analyze humor across all disciplines. Each highly accessible chapter uses a rich array of examples to stimulate discussion and interaction even in large classes. Supplemental PowerPoints to accompany each of the twenty five chapters are available online taking many of the insights from the chapters for further interactional discussions with the students Introduction and overview Anthropology and ethnic studies Irony parody and satire in art Business Computer science Education and childrens literature Gender studies Geography Gerontology History Journalism Law Linguistics Literature Medicine and health Music Names Performing arts : theater dance and music Philosophy Physical education and sports Politics Psychology Religion Rhetoric and composition Sociology