I wonder what humor like this looks like in other languages. Not humor about english, so much as jokes about one’s language, in one’s language. Do the japanese or germans make fun of their own languages? I have to presume so, but how?
We’re a ridiculously self-referential culture. Turning inward for our own ironic amusement has become a time-honored tradition for us; it should come as no surprise that we, generally speaking, think of ourselves as the best nation on earth – what we like of others, we
co-opt.
Then again, what nation isn’t nationalistic? It simply reveals itself in different ways.
Those of you who’re bored with your Flist and looking to discuss something meaty, visit takarosa and comment on her latest entry about grudges.
Have you ever seen the japanese show Cromartie High? It’s pretty much an absurd comedy that makes jokes about Japan, Japanese culture, and the language. Based on that alone, I’m thinking it’s not just us.
No, I haven’t. But that’s what I’d like to know about.
of course, I am hampered by not knowing another foreign language to any great degree.
I find it bothersome that that cartoon refers to English as “the Terran language”… um…. thousands of “Terran” languages?
Well, it’s like 4 thousand years in the future. Other than the entire country of japan having been lifted off the planet, a little homogynization is bound to occur.
Sorry, I’m not familiar with the context.
Still, I find the idea of such x-treme homogenization kinda sad.
Sure. The whole comic strip, though, is incredibly ironic. The curator of a spaceship museum, an unbearable Critic, is in love with late-20th century. It’s so silly.
Of course each alien race has their own language, which has made for some amusing strips.
*snickers*
Yes, speakers of other languages make fun of their native languages. I can’t think of one off the top of my head, but I’ve heard plenty.