THE USE OF HUMOUR AS A STRATEGY IN ADULT LANGUAGE TEACHING AND LEARNING

Abstract

Committing errors is one of the features of language learning because errors reflect the learners’ progress in the language and further give insight into how they can be helped to improve in the language. However, correcting someone’s errors may be misunderstood and found offensive by the learner. One of the strategies devised by Nigerian content creators is to use their art to correct common errors in the use of the English language in the country. The aim of this study, therefore, is to discover how the comedians correct errors without attracting negative reactions from their fans and viewers. Four Nigerian comedy skits used to correct errors in English were qualitatively analysed through the lens of Gruner’s Superiority Theory of Humour. Findings reveal that the dramas focus on teaching proper vocabulary, sentence construction, and grammar for use at given contexts. It is also discovered that the comedians make their audience feel superior by ensuring that actors, who commit errors, are the targets of their humours. The study concludes that correcting errors with humour prevents language learners from feeling directly attacked and recommends its usage in language teaching and learning sessions.