The Use of Educational Humor in the Process of Learning and Teaching: A Special Facilitator for Second Language Learners

The Use of Educational Humor in the Process of Learning and Teaching: A Special Facilitator for Second Language Learners A. Zeyaa'ee Mehr, Ph.D. Research on educational humor during the past two decades demonstrates both the role and the impact of humor on the processes of learning and teaching, especially in the area of second/foreign language learning. There are a number of theories giving different definitions and leading to a variety of strategies for the use of humor in the classroom. Both positive and negative consequences are enumerated, as are the areas in which it can be utilized. Among these are social relations and cohesion as well as a socio-cultural facilitator in learning a second language. Considering that humor is the core component of social penetration, closeness, and communication style, its beneficial use in the classroom cannot be denied. Nevertheless, inappropriate humor can be detrimental to both the humorist and his/her audience. Key words: educational humor, functions of humor, second/foreign language, communicative competence