Uses of Humour in an English Language Class

Abstract

  Humour is peculiar to human beings and an essential characteristic of human life. When it is applied in English teaching, it enhances students’ learning ability. If the teachers start adding elements of humour in their teaching method it could definitely improve students’ English learning ability. Therefore, humour is considered an important element to reduce the anxiety factor and boredom in an English language class. However, its uses make English language classes more effective and interesting. It creates a learning environment in such a way in a language class that helps the students to perform even better. Mostly the teachers follow the same old traditional method of English teaching and avoid cracking jokes in class in order to maintain discipline and class control. That is why students do not take much interest in their classes. However, negative kind of humour such as making fun of the students, hitting their families, sarcasm, hitting ethnicity and insulting should be avoided as it badly damages the students’ personalities as well as ruins the sacred environment and discipline of the class. The negative impact of humour makes the student offensive and can bring negative results in the classroom.