Gelotolinguistics: To Substantiate the Allocation of the Concept as a New Understanding of the Phenomenon of Laughter

Aim . To consider the phenomenon of laughter in the modern theoretical interpretation in the aspect of the need to identify gelotolinguistics as a new applied branch of linguistics. Methodology . In the course of the work, a scientometrical approach was used to analyze scientific publications in recent years in the field of gelotology, the science of humor and its influence on various aspects of public life, justifying the distinction of gelotolinguistics, accumulating linguistic research in the field of laughter. In this connection, the scientific problem of substantiating gelotolinguistics, which studies the laughter language aspects in a circle of related paradigms, is put forward. Results . The growing interest in understanding the phenomenon of laughter is illustrated. The metalanguage and nomenclature of the study are described. The communicative nature of laughter and its role in both intra- and intercultural translation are proved. It is emphasized that laughter is a component of consciousness, thinking at all linguistic levels: the language system, speech, text and, moreover, in the core of consciousness and in the lexical core through polystatus gelotives. Research implications. The hypothesis of categorical unity (semiotics, communication and laughing ethics) underlying gelotolinguistics is put forward, indicating the most significant components that make up gelotolinguistics as a new applied branch of linguistics. Gelotives are distinguished as linguistic means of laughing reaction. The article substantiates the position that fiction and folklore are depositories of gelotives and representatives of gelotolinguistics: gelotic semantics, gelotic target, gelotic object, gelotive, polycode means of gelotivity, gelotic euphemisms, gelotic text structure, categorization of gelotic text, the phenomenon of gelotivity and gelotic competence, etc. Various concepts of laughter are analyzed, and the presence of laughter in human consciousness / thinking / speech activity is emphasized. The main problematic branches of gelotolinguistics, as well as its prospects, are listed.