反语的幽默属性和语用功能(7)

6. Pragmatic functions of irony
In the former parts of this paper, we have already discussed about the relation between irony and CP, the association between irony and IP, and the connection between irony and verbal humor. Though irony seems to take flouting CP as its own duty, it acts as an assistant of IP actively. As a type of verbal humor, irony devotes itself to produce humor in people’s communications. However, what are the pragmatic functions of irony? In this section, the key to this question will be presented mainly from two major aspects: pragmatic functions of English irony and pragmatic functions of Chinese irony.

6.1 Pragmatic functions of English irony
Pragmatic functions of English irony can be stated in various ways, similar to the classification of it. In the following passage, the effort will be concentrated on the major functions of irony. Firstly, while using irony people tend to use affirmative to express critique or discontent. Secondly, irony is always used as a means to satirize. Thirdly, irony is used as an approach to be polite. Last but not the least, irony is used as an approach to be humorous.

6.1.1 Used as an affirmative to express critique or discontent
    In English, irony is often used to state one’s negative attitude to something. For example:
(1) I just adore mosquitoes. [24]
(2) You are a big help! [25]
(3) You are telling stories! [26]
In example (1), “adore” actually tells us the displeasure of the speaker. It can be learned from the meaning between the lines that the speaker hates mosquitoes in fact. The sentence of example (2) is not really used to praise the “help” but to indicate, “You only do nothing to help.” The speaker of example (3) applies irony to make a mockery.
In everyday life, people tend to use irony in their speech though sometimes they may not be conscious of it. The following is another instance:
(4) This morning, I was late for work; at noon, I had my bike stolen; on the way home this afternoon, I slipped down in the street. So today, I am certainly enjoying myself. [27]
Obviously, the narrator did not enjoy himself indeed this day. With the strong discontent of the terrible experience, he expressed his displeasure by using the opposite word “enjoy”.

6.1.2 Used as a means to satirize
Irony is used to veil feelings in a subtle way. Words of praise are often found where condemnation is meant. Below are some examples:
(1) Like all the other officers at Group Headquarters except Major Danby, Colonel Cathcart was infused with the democratic spirit: he believed that all men outside Group equal, and he therefore spurned all men outside Group Headquarters with equal fervour. (Joseph Heller: Catch 22) [28]
(This passage implies that Colonel Cathcart was not democratic at all: his democratic spirit extended only to his own group; all others he treated with scorn and highhandedness.)

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