Publications
Publication details [#70928]
Han, Chong and Adrian Hale. 2021. ‘She is like a Yakshini": Character construction via aggressive humour in Chinese sitcom discourse. The European Journal of Humour Research 9 (4) : 110–130.
Publication type
Article in journal
Publication language
English
Keywords
Language as a subject
Annotation
This paper looks at the importance of aggressive humour in the discursive construction of a ‘Yakshini’ character in a popular Chinese sitcom, Ipartment. The exaggerated, aggressive nature of such a stereotypical character undermines traditional cultural norms of Chinese femininity. Such characterisation of a heroine through aggressive humour in a popular sitcom reflects the fact that empowering women has become (or is becoming) more acceptable in contemporary China.