Humor and translation

Abstract EN

The translation of humor is not an easy task to handle.

It requires the translator to choose from many standards in order to successfully transform the humor from one language into another.

In general, humor is of two kinds: universal humor and culture/language-bound humor.

Universal humor is that which can be understood by all humans, no matter what culture they belong to.

Cultural and language-bound humor; however, constitutes a rough mission for translators.

For instance, interpreting a nonhumorous cultural expression usually relies upon an explanation of it within the text itself or through footnotes.

This solution often does not work with humor because humor relies on the element of surprise, subtle nuance, and/or the use of language-bound puns in order to deliver laughter-inducing effect.

In short, over-explanation ultimately kills the joke.