Many American companies discourage the use of irony because the
non-native english speaking people often don't understand. There are
regular reminders at the company I work for to speak in simple direct
language.
Possibly irony is too closely tied to sarcasm in American history to
be a desireable form of speech.
Yes many Americans hope the world would be a straightforward, mutually
supporting place to live, and act accordingly when possible.
-jeff
On 8/16/07, Andrew Fildes <afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> Americans 'get' irony just fine, so long as it's signalled.
> I've posted before my thesis on this effect.
> The argument goes something like this -
> 1. For Brits and many Europeans, irony is the standard mode of speech.
> 2. For Americans, it is not – they use a more direct mode.
> 3. Consequently, Europeans tend to see murrkins as a bit simple or
> gullible and
> 4. Murkins see Europeans as devious and deceitful.
>
> That probably destroys my argument too.
> Andrew Fildes
>
>
> On 17/08/2007, at 5:51 AM, Winsor Crosby wrote:
>
> > Actually I think that the lack of ironical understanding in Americans
> > is over sold. Often it is rude and mean spirited, a way to establish
> > a pecking order, to "one up" someone you have contempt for, or
> > someone who has too much power to confront directly. Even if it is
> > not that type, one usually recognizes it as such, is not amused and
> > lets it pass without comment.
> >
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