Abstract
Humour entertains, but can also be used for propaganda purposes if it reaches a large audience and influences their emotional response to specific topics. The article focuses on humour as a comprehensive concept: elements of humour that serve a propagandistic function, including shared knowledge, the target audience, the perception of humour, the functions of humour, and the communication process, are identified and analysed in New Year’s Eve programming on Russian television.
Keywords—communication, functions of humour, humour, media settings, perception of humour, shared knowledge
About the authors
Žaneta Ozoliņa is a Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science at the University of Latvia. She researches Transatlantic relations and European security, as well as strategic communication in international relations.
Jurģis Šķilters is a Professor and Chair of the Laboratory for Perceptual and Cognitive Systems at the Faculty of Computing, University of Latvia. His research focuses on spatial cognition, formal and cognitive modelling of meaning, visual perception, and socio-collaborative cognitive processes.
Sigita Struberga is a PhD candidate and lecturer of International Relations in the Department of Political Science at the University of Latvia. Her research focuses on Russia, Russian Foreign Policy, EU- Russia Relations, Public Diplomacy and strategic communications.
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