Cunnilingus Take a Joke? Or How Introspective Are We about Linguistics?

Abstract

This commentary piece associates the seriousness of scientific enquiry with the ability and possible inability of linguistic researchers to be introspective of their theoretical assumptions. I advance an argument concerning epistemology and research awareness and suggest being aware of one’s assumptions of what language is and how it operates can be helpful to creating a more introspective, and possibly funnier, linguistics. The polemic considers a spatialization of humor as part of understanding elements of the linguistics of humor and our ability as researchers to laugh at the role and importance of our work. My hope is that such (less serious) linguistic research will lead to a more developed understanding of the role of mindfulness in appreciating scientific endeavours.