Linguistic devices for creating comedic effect in German stand-up

The research aims to identify the linguistic and stylistic devices and expressive means employed by German stand-up comedians of various ethnic backgrounds (German, Turkish, Moroccan, and Vietnamese) to create comedic effect. The scientific novelty of the research lies in an interdisciplinary approach to the issue, i.e., in determining to which extent the cultural characteristics of the performers have an impact on the linguistic expression of comedic effect in stand-ups. As a result, it was found that the performance style of all the comedians is characterized by a high pace of speech, dynamism, emotionality, vivid facial expressions, and a wide intonational range. The performers actively utilize linguistic devices, such as elliptical constructions, lexical repetitions, foreign words, addresses, as well as accent mimicry, the use of expletives and slang. However, comedians of different ethnic groups employ specific techniques in their performances that reflect their cultural background, creating a unique character of German stand-up comedy, vividly illustrating Germany’s multicultural flavor.