Disinterring satire and implicature in the linguistic repertoire of selected Nigeria comedians

Abstract

This paper analyses the sophisticated forms of satire and implicature in the stand-up routines of selected Nigerian comedians, particularly focusing on Basketmouth and Helen Paul for their unique linguistic strategies and because they represent broader trends. Nigerian comedy, situated within a heterogeneous socio-cultural and linguistic setting, serves as an important vehicle for social commentary and cultural expression. The paper examines how these performers confront and transcend multi-layered socio-political issues in engagement with, and as received by, audiences through the use of particular linguistic strategies. This study draws upon Grice's theory of implicature and Bakhtin's notion of heteroglossia to analyse performance excerpts and illustrate how satire functions as both a reflective and subversive device.