Tradition, laugh and joke

Abstract

This article comprises the identifications and assessments on the relationship between folklore and joke which embraces word, gesture and games. Jokes which aren't involved much in folklore studies are among the words and gestures employed by people so as to have fun and laugh such as anecdotes and the like. While the words, gestures and games to make people laugh mostly correspond to the terms "prank" or "practical joke" in European and American folklore studies, the word "saka" stands out in Turkey. Jokes are generally made in transition periods. As this transition could take place in people's lives, it could also be between seasons. Weddings, first days of military service and pupilage, verdancy periods in business life, Hidrellez / St. George's Day celebrations and traditional Conversation atmosphere are among the moments of joking. The joke tradition has created its own industry in almost every area of modern life. Joke is created and transmitted in almost every area of society from rural to urban. In this article, materials concerning joke are substantially obtained from oral and written sources. As a result of the assessments on the main elements of this tradition such as definition, characteristics, types and performance setting of joke, jokers and victims of joke, it is concluded that jokes have a strong relationship with tradition; they are used in new work and life settings which emerged in today's conditions; they help individuals speed up their involvement in society and smaller social groups; jokes which have close relationship with folklife should be evaluated in folklore circle.