Mechanisms and Functions of Humor in the Humorous Anecdote and Humorous Life Story

Abstract

The paper analyzes the mechanisms of humor in humorous anecdotes and humorous life stories, collected during field research conducted in the villages of the Rasina District (Ribare, Grevci, Rosica, and Malo Krušince) between 2012 and 2024. The analysis of selected fieldwork examples focuses on the interplay of verbal and situational humor with humor derived from character, offering insight into the narrative strategies and techniques used by storytellers to achieve humorous effects. The study also examines the functions of humor, particularly its role as a means of relaxation, critique, and social correction. Humor is considered as both an aesthetic and communicative category that influences story structure and text reception, fulfilling complex psychosocial functions.