Language Detective: The Case of the Missing Humor
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Why take this course?
July 1st is International Humor Day, and Cambly is celebrating all month long with this special limited-time lesson. English humor is one of the hardest parts of the language to learn. Puns, slang, and sarcasm all rely on hidden meanings and cultural context that most English courses never teach. In this fun, interactive English lesson, you'll step into the role of a Language Detective and investigate three "humor incidents"—each one revealing a different way English speakers use language to make each other laugh. Whether you want to finally understand English jokes or start making them yourself, this lesson will help you speak English more naturally and confidently.
What you will learn
In this English lesson for intermediate learners, you'll investigate three "humor incidents" that reveal how English speakers use language to make each other laugh. You'll uncover how English puns work—and why they're simultaneously the best and worst jokes in the language. You'll decode common English slang words and phrases and what they actually mean in context. And you'll learn to recognize sarcasm in English, including why English speakers so often say the exact opposite of what they mean. Along the way, you'll practice discussing humor, wordplay, and cultural differences with a native English speaker.
Learning objectives
• Identify and explain three types of English humor — puns, slang, and sarcasm — including how each one uses language in unexpected ways
• Analyze real examples of English humor and use contextual clues to determine meaning
• Discuss humor, wordplay, and cultural differences in English with a native speaker
Pre-requisites
A basic working knowledge of English (B1 level or above) is recommended for this course
