IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES (IJELCS )

E-ISSN 2545-5702
P-ISSN 2695-2157
VOL. 10 NO. 2 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijelcs.vol.10.no2.2025.pg1.11

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A Cross-Cultural Comparison of how Americans and the British use Humor as a Tool for Engagement and Effective Communication

Zalima Abba Gambo

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Abstract

This study explores examples of humor in communication and describes the similarities, differences in both cultures and its use as an effective tool for communication, interaction and engagement. The study uses secondary data collection methods, including blogs and television shows, which enhances comparing the use and efficacy of humor. It has been established from the study that the common misconception that Americans do not understand British irony and sarcasm is false. They understand irony, but while it is the foundation of British humor, the American culture does not need to use it frequently. Americans also need to make their jokes more obvious and may even highlight the jokes in their communication, likely resulting from fear of offending others. The American sense of humor is generally slapstick than that in Britain, which can be attributed to the difference in culture between the two countries. American humor is more obvious and forward, while British jokes tend to be more subtle but with a dark, sarcastic undertone. It usually contains a hidden meaning that may reflect the more reserved nature of British culture compared to American culture.

keywords:

Humor; Self-Deprecating; Communication; Cross-Cultural.

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