This guide outlines the cognitive benefits of humor and language play in classrooms that are increasingly diverse. It addresses misconceptions about humor and non-serious language in terms of
language use, learning, and teaching and how humor can create new possibilities for identity, challenge norms, and transform power relations. It considers how humor is a normal part of
classroom interaction, how humor and language play work in classrooms, why they are presented as needing to be controlled or regulated to facilitate language learning, and the consequences of
embracing or limiting them. It assists teachers in incorporating humor and language play to facilitate language awareness and help second language learners engage with humor and playful talk.
It discusses research on language, communication, and language learning, humor and its elements and forms, and humor in classroom discourse and its function; the role of humor in second
language development; humor in teaching, professional issues, teaching strategies, and teaching about humor; and designing research projects on the topic. Annotation ©2015 Ringgold, Inc.,
Portland, OR (protoview.com)
