반어에 대한 화행적 고찰

Abstract

Research on irony so far has focused primarily on what irony is, and how ironic statements are comprehended. In contrast, the larger question of why people use irony has received little attention. The aim of this paper is to show that speakers use ironic utterances to fulfill specific communication goals that are difficult, if not impossible, to convey literally. Such goals might include criticizing, reprimanding, mocking, negative evaluation, to be witty, to put someone at ease, to save face more effectively than does the use of a literal statement, etc. These goals are fulfilled through not only assertive irony but also by directive, expressive, and commissive irony. This paper also shows the socio-functional effects of ironic utterances, both positive and negative. Two prominent kinds of irony are jocularity and sarcasm. Jocular ironies, which are playful remarks to chide others in a jesting manner, are most often associated with solidarity moves that invite or affirm strong social relationships. Sarcastic ironies, that are especially either bitter and caustic or hostile, are associated with either the breakdown of the solidarity between friends or with difficulties in a good relationship between the speaker and the addressee. Therefore, bitter sarcastic irony should not be used between people who have a positive relationship.