Accidental Humour Unveiled: A Sneak Preview of Funny Translation Blunders in Kenya

ABSTRACT:

This paper examines accidental humour found in selected public posters. The humour in question is derived from linguistic blunders made by the author, probably, from translation-related problems while drawing the signage. To arrive at this humour requires a careful analysis of errors in interpretation found in public notices. There appears scanty literature and little academic propensity associated with and surrounding this particular genre, even though, it is widely spread. Furthermore, without analysing the accidental humour therein, denies the academic fraternity a proper comprehension of the humour concept and its academically related linguistic associations. Specifically, this paper shows how humour is derived from script analysis based on the Semantic Script Theory of Humour (SSTH) which was unique to the analysis of this genre. This research involved collecting data by photographing relevant signs in Kenya. Ten of such signage were analysed for accidental humour. The sampling procedure was done purposively to include signage from different locations in Kenya and the presence of linguistic mistakes in translation. The data was presented using tables portraying the relationship of the components sought. Consequently, the study enriched script analysis and critiqued the linguistic concepts of performance and competence.

Keywords: Accidental humour, Signage/public posters/notices/signs, Translation blunders.