Humour as a Pragmatic Tool in Multicultural Online Interactions

Humour plays a significant role as a pragmatic tool in multicultural online interactions, where digital communication fosters both connection and conflict. This paper explores humour's dual nature in bridging cultural divides and the challenges it presents due to varied sociocultural interpretations in digital spaces. The study draws upon Intercultural Pragmatics to examine humour's pragmatic functions, leveraging Relevance Theory and Politeness Theory to analyse its role in creating common ground, softening discourse, and promoting intercultural engagement. The paper further addresses the risks and challenges of humour in multicultural online contexts, including the potential for misinterpretation due to cultural variability, linguistic differences, and the absence of non-verbal cues. Additionally, it discusses the impact of anonymity and online disinhibition, which can exacerbate misunderstandings and provoke conflict. The research also compares synchronous and asynchronous online communication, revealing the different dynamics in humour pragmatics across these platforms. Strategies for effective humour use are proposed, emphasizing cultural awareness, inclusivity, and sensitivity to audience responses. The paper concludes with a call for future empirical research that integrates intercultural insights to refine pragmatic theories, offering practical recommendations for educators, moderators, and cross-cultural communicators. Generally, the study seeks to contribute to the field of intercultural pragmatics by exploring humour's potential in enhancing constructive online communication in increasingly diverse digital environments.