Egyptian Humor in January 25 Revolution: A Linguistic Study

Abstract

This studypresents a linguistic analysis of fifty-one humorous texts created during January 25 revolution. These texts include verbal and referential forms as well as linguistically-based visual humor; they comprise chants, jokes, slogans, banners, placards, and caricatures. The aim of this study is threefold: to investigate the relationship between humorous texts and the revolution and to uncover the features of these revolutionary humorous texts, to examine and highlight the functions achieved by these texts, and to assess the explanatory power of the Cooperative Principle (CP) and the General Theory of Verbal Humor (GTVH) to account for Arabic humorous texts produced during the uprising. It demonstrated the multi-layered aspects of these texts and the need for a model reader to appreciate these culturally-based and linguistically-related texts; it also demonstrated the multi-functionality of the employed humor in exposing Mubarak’s maladministration and calling for his departure; and it asserted the explanatory power of the two linguistic tools in highlighting the various features, dimensions and implications of the deployed humorous texts. Finally, this study underscored two significant points for further research. Keywords: Humor, January 25 Revolution, GTVH, CP, Arabic humor.