Contents

Acknowledgements

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

1.1 Background and Significance of the Study-1

1.2 Research Methodology of the Study-1

1.3 Organization of the Thesis-1

Chapter Two Literature Review-2

2.1 Definition of Humor-3

2.2 Classification of Humor-3

2.3 Overview of the Previous Studies-3

2.3.1 Classical theories -3

2.3.2 Modern linguistic theories -4

Chapter Three Theoretical Framework and Methodology-6

3.1 Brief Introduction to Grice’s Cooperative Principle-6

3.2 Violation of four maxims.-6

Chapter Four Analysis of Verbal Humor in The Big Bang Theory from the Perspective of Cooperation Principle-9

4.1 Introduction to The Big Bang Theory-9

4.2 Humor Generated by Violating the Cooperative Principle in The Big Bang Theory-9

4.2.1 Violating the Maxim of Quantity-10

4.2.2 Violating the Maxim of Quality-11

4.2.3 Violating the Maxim of Relation-12

4.2.4 Violating the Maxim of Manner-13

Chapter Five Conclusion-15

5.1 Findings-15

5.2 Limitations of Study-15

References-16