The Joy and Flavour of Being Cuban: An Ethnographic Study of Cuban Humour

• Author / Creator

  Baker, Josephine M. K.

• This study explores the social functions of humour in present-day Cuba. Nine participants
  located in the area of Santa Marta, Cuba, of varying age, sex, and occupation responded to ten
  questions on a questionnaire related to humour and Cuban life. Transcripts of their answers were
  analyzed using thematic analysis for major themes consistent across interviews. Eight themes
  were identified related to humour in Cuba: Identity, Resilience, Enriching Relationships, Group
  Bonding, Nicknames, Creativity, Undermining Authority, and Expression of Freedom. These
  themes were analyzed using Austin and Butler’s Speech Act Theory, Goffman’s Frame Analysis
  and Facework, and Bourdieu’s Forms of Capital. Information collected from participants was
  supplemented by the researcher’s own lived experience in Cuba. Each theme was considered
  individually and in combination to provide a picture of the social functions of humour usage in
  Cuba. Humour is an integral part of Cuban identity, an essential component in the creation and
  maintenance of relationships, and a tool for navigating the social and political dynamics within
  Cuba.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Ethnography
  • Anthropology
  • Cuban Humour
  • Choteo
  • Communication
  • Joking
  • Cuba

• Graduation date

  Fall 2023

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Arts

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/r3-1527-kq05

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.