General Theory of Verbal Humor in Linguistics: A Systematic Review of Applications, Trends, and Challenges

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30983/modalityjournal.v6i01.11157

Keywords:

General Theory of Verbal Humor, SLR, Applied Linguistics, Humor linguistics

Abstract

Humor is a pervasive linguistic phenomenon that varies across communicative, cultural, and multimodal contexts. The General Theory of Verbal Humor (GTVH) has become an influential framework for analyzing such variation through six Knowledge Resources: Script Opposition, Logical Mechanism, Situation, Target, Narrative Strategy, and Language. This study systematically reviews the applications, thematic trends, and theoretical critiques of GTVH in linguistic research. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted following the PRISMA protocol using Scopus as the primary database, with search terms derived from GTVH and humor-related linguistic concepts. Through the implementation of a predetermined review procedure, a total of 25 journal articles were identified and analyzed. The findings reveal three key contributions: (1) GTVH has been operationalized across twelve linguistic domains, including pragmatics, sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, translation studies, digital discourse, multimodal semiotics, forensic linguistics, and cultural analysis; (2) research has increasingly shifted from canonical joke analysis toward applied, interdisciplinary, digital, and multimodal contexts; and (3) persistent challenges remain, particularly the inconsistent operationalization of Script Opposition and Logical Mechanism, limited methodological standardization, and difficulties in incorporating cultural, contextual, audience-related, and multimodal factors. The review suggests that GTVH functions increasingly as a flexible analytical framework rather than a uniformly operationalized theory. Future research should focus on theoretical refinement, standardized coding, cross-cultural validation, and multimodal extension of GTVH.

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2026-06-30

How to Cite

Nursyifa, T., Kurniawan, E., & Sunendar, N. (2026). General Theory of Verbal Humor in Linguistics: A Systematic Review of Applications, Trends, and Challenges. Modality Journal: International Journal of Linguistics and Literature, 6(01), 30–50. https://doi.org/10.30983/modalityjournal.v6i01.11157

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Vol. 6 No. 01 (2026): June 2026

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Copyright (c) 2026 Tiara Ismaya Nursyifa, Eri Kurniawan, Neidya Fahma Sunendar

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