Humour in a multilingual world Tacit translation in the age of the reel

This chapter examines selected examples of language-based humour in short videos, encompassing both content that focuses on the linguistic features of “other” languages, (meaning those other than English) and content that explores culture-specific elements. It acknowledges the challenge of disentangling language from culture, as they are inherently intertwined in these humorous portrayals. Furthermore, the role of translation is explored, highlighting its tacit presence in the videos. While translation may not be the explicit focus, content creators often compare the “other” language to their own, implicitly engaging in translation processes that underlie the humour and implicature conveyed. Through this brief analysis, the chapter illuminates the complex relationship between language, culture, and translation in the context of social media humour. It underscores the dominance of English, the challenges of depicting linguistic and cultural differences, and the underlying tacit translation processes that contribute to the creation and reception of humorous content in the digital era.