Humor in Ludruk: between Insults and Compliments

Abstract

This research aims to elaboratethe construction of humor in ludruk. To that end, a ludruk show entitled Goro-goro Kartolo aired by a local TV station in East Java, Jawa Pos Televisi Surabaya (JTV), is used as the source of data. Ludruk shows are known for their unique features, one of which is the humorous contents. Humor in ludruk comes both in verbal and nonverbal form. While verbal humor is constructed by making use of the conversation between ludruk performers; nonverbal humor is delivered through physical motion made by the performers. In this research, however, the analysis is limited only on verbal humor that is constructed through conversations made by ludruk performers. Basically, humor is intentionally constructed to create comical impression. In order to evaluate how humor is constructed, analysis was performedon the compliance and violation of principles of politeness. The analysis shows a predominance of conversations that violate and satisfy the approbation maxim and modesty maxim. It is concluded that the compliance and violation of both maxims are generally achieved through the use of insults and compliments made by performers either to themselvesor toother persons.