A Pragmatics Study of Implicature In Internet Memes And Jokes

Abstract

This paper examines the linguistic meaning of language in memes and
jokes on the internet, focusing on the dynamic nature of online
platforms like Reddit. It aims to understand the language distinctions
underlying humor found in these platforms, which often defy accepted
linguistic conventions. Implicit meaning, derived from the verb "to
imply," refers to something that a speech implies but does not state
outright. In conversational encounters, the idea of cooperation between
speakers is inextricably linked to the understanding of implicature. The
paper highlights the importance of understanding the linguistic features
of jokes and memes on the internet, as they become a breeding ground
for linguistic innovation. The meaning of a sentence can be divided into
conventional meaning, conversational implicatures, and conventional
implicatures. Internet memes and jokes, often used for propaganda,
satire, and defamation, can contain implicatures. The study examined
internet-published memes and jokes involving implicatures and aimed
to identify other joke styles and implicatures. Gender-related
implicatures are common in jokes, with conventional implicature being
the most common. Examples include jokes about women, cultural basic
jokes, and social phenomena. The analysis of implicatures in jokes
involves evaluating extrinsic linguistic factors, including social and
cultural dimensions, and the influence of context on the inferred
meaning. Overall, the interpretation of internet memes and jokes is
influenced by their linguistic features.