Sessions /
University teacher and student views of humor #104

Sun, Jun 21, 10:30-11:05 JST | Zoom G
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This presentation will report on the results of a survey designed to elicit learners’ and educators’ perceptions of the role of humor in university English language courses. The participants included students taking required language courses at ten universities across Japan (n = 956) as well as a selection of both Japanese and non-Japanese university-level educators (n = 50). Quantitative results of the study covered such variables as the role of humor in the classroom and how humor can both decrease L2 anxiety and deepen understanding of the target culture. Additionally, qualitative, open-ended survey items queried learners and instructors about the interrelation between humor, language proficiency, and cultural understanding and the potential negative effects of humor use in the language classroom.

Many of the respondents highlighted humor’s value for improving classroom atmosphere while others focused on how they had benefited personally, such as through increased language-learning motivation or a greater degree of teaching satisfaction. Additionally, many cited concerns about how cultural dissimilarities in values and humor focus can lead to misunderstandings.

After reviewing the results, the presenter will share expanded insights from follow-up oral interviews with select participants. Finally, implications for language pedagogy and intercultural communicative competence will be considered.

John Rucynski

John Rucynski

Okayama University
I am currently associate professor in the Center for Liberal Arts & Language Education at Okayama University. My research interests include language and culture integrated learning, CBI/CLIL, and the role of humor in foreign language acquisition and intercultural awareness. My research partner and I recently edited a new volume on humor competency training in English language teaching. When I'm not in the classroom or in front the computer (these days), I am usually on my bike, hiking in the mountains, or waiting to be summoned to finally take over as manager of the Hanshin Tigers.