Humor in kinderverhale : 'n vergelyking tussen geselekteerde Afrikaanse en Nederlandse tekste

Abstract

Humour is regarded as important in a variety of disciplines and when literature is studied, it becomes clear that humour is very important in the development of the individual. There are various ways in which the individual may be exposed to humour, and one of these is children's stories. It became clear, however, that up to now very little research has been done on the subject of humour in children's stories. An instrument for the studying of humour in children 's stories is necessary:_ an instrument that takes into account developmental psychology, literary theory and humour. When all these are combined, the nature, scope and effect of humour in children's stories can be determined. Six texts, 'n Haas moet doen wat 'n haas moet doen (Martie Preller) , Aliens en engele (Leon de Villiers), Vincent van Gogga (Philip de Vos), Minoes (Annie MG Schmidt), Het verhaal van Bobbe/ die in een bakfiets woonde en rijk wi/de warden (Joke van Leeuwen) and Nooit de buren bijten (Paul van Loon), were examined individually. In each text the humorous situations were highlighted and discussed. These discussions led to the conclusions that were drawn. Humour manifests itself in a variety of subjects in the text; it is not limited to light-hearted subjects. All the narrative elements and textual aspects have a role to play in the humour of a story. Humour makes the story accessible to different readers, and the text becomes a reading and learning experience. Humour can be an instrument in the hand of the author and the mediator. They sensitise the young reader for humour in stories and through that the reader's reading and life skills are widened.