Spontaneous Play in the Language Classroom

David Hann is a Central Academic Staff Lecturer in the School of Languages and Applied Linguistics at the Open University, UK. His research focuses on the forms and social functions of humorous language play among non-native speakers of English in a language classroom setting.

“I believe that Hann has achieved his purpose to show readers how low-proficiency adult learners can use language to play despite their limitations. … Hann has made a valuable contribution in revealing deep insight into the meaning of laughter in the language classroom, and the ubiquitous ways in which play is present in the to-and-fro of healthy classroom communication.” (Phuong Anh Nguyen, alanz.org.nz, February 4, 2021)

• Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: The crucial and underexplored role of humorous play in the second language classroom.- Chapter 3: The language classroom: a hothouse where play can germinate.- Chapter 4: Exploiting frames for fun.- Chapter 5:  Evoking frames through associated language.- Chapter 6: A case study: Overcoming failure in the search for common ground.- Chapter 7: Prior talk: a key resource for play.- Chapter 8: Humorous play and its implications for classroom practice.- Chapter 9: Humorous language play: lessons from the second language classroom.