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How to get a laugh in Fijian: Code-switching and humor

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2009

Jeff Siegel
Jeff Siegel
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Abstract

Code-switching from the Fijian language into a variety of Hindi is commonly used for joking among indigenous Fijians. Examples of this codeswitching are described here, and its role in Fijian joking relationships is outlined. A survey of code-switching used for humor in other societies shows that code-switching may be a signal for joking, that the switching itself may be considered humorous, and that the variety to which one switches may be used for humorous mockery or parody. Three different psychological approaches to the study of humor throw some light on why code-switching into Hindi is funny to Fijians. A final discussion examines code-switching in relation to both unintegrated borrowing and style-shifting. (Code-switching, borrowing, humor, joking, Fijian, Hindi)

Type
Research Article
Information
Language in Society , Volume 24 , Issue 1 , March 1995 , pp. 95 - 110
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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