Code-switching in Jordanian stand-up comedy: a humor tool and a means to reflect social diversity

Abstract EN

This article discusses the function of code-switching in Jordanian stand-up comedy.

Drawing on Hoffman (1991) and Troike (1982), analysis of twenty performances presented by Jordanian stand-up comedians revealed that the alternation between colloquial Jordanian Arabic, the dialect these performances are mainly delivered in, Standard Arabic, and sometimes English does not only emphasize the humorous role of this genre, but also reflects the social diversity among Jordanians and helps in building rapport with them regardless of their different backgrounds.