A semantic study of sarcasm and humour among the Ga people

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the use of sarcasm and humour among the Ga from a semantic perspective. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research questions were raised as follows: (i) in which various are sarcasm and humour used? (ii) What are the triggers and the effects of these communicative tools? (iii)What are the similarities and differences in terms of usage? Using the qualitative approach, thirty native Ga speakers from three Ga towns in the Greater Accra Region (Accra Central, Chorkor, and Kaneshie) were purposively sampled, observed and or interviewed. The study employed Austin’s 1961, Speech act theory in its data analysis. The analysis of the data on sarcasm and humour showed that the Ga people make use of these communicative expressions in their day to day conversations or utterances under various circumstances, in several domains. Also, the study found out that sarcastic and humourous statements are not only used for ridicule, mocking, praise, entertain etc but they help individuals play with the language which also displays competence in the usage of the Ga language. It was further revealed that the use of sarcasm fosters retention and helps in memorization. Additionally, the study revealed that the situations that triggers the use of sarcasm and humour were times of having fun, when responding to foolish statements, when criticizing, when complementing and also when giving advice. Finally, the study revealed that the use of sarcastic statements can provoke anger and violence, personal satisfaction, laughter, shyness and humiliation. In conclusion, the use of sarcasm and humour as communicative techniques are dependent on the circumstance or context surrounding a conversation.