الفهرس 
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Abstract
Humor plays a vital role in our lives. Using humor, the speaker can tell the truth effortlessly and efficiently without hurting anyone’s feelings. The principal objective of this study is twofold. First, it treats humor as a linguistic function and emphasizes human communication ideas. Second, it anticipates improving the researcher’s comprehension of humor in linguistics, particularly in pragmatics. Kate christensen’s novel The Epicure’s Lament is chosen for it is a humorous communicative act and a work of entertainment that employs a humorous form that fulfills a satirical function. The novel is structured into four distinct sections referred to as ”notebooks,” which serve as divisions within the narrative. In the process of analyzing the text, a total of one hundred and five humorous utterances have been carefully selected for examination. This analysis draws upon two influential theoretical frameworks: Speech-Act Theory developed by John Austin, a prominent figure in the field of linguistics, whose work spanned from (1911-1960), and the Relevance Theory proposed by Sperber and Wilson between (1986-1995). These theoretical perspectives provide valuable insights and frameworks for understanding the nature and function of humor within the novel. The Results of the study demonstrate three findings: the characters of the novel flout all four Grice maxims, leading to humor arousal. These maxims are the maxim of quality, the maxim of quantity, the maxim of manner, and the maxim of relation. The joke teller performed all illocutionary acts (representative, directive, and assertive). Moreover, the study proves that readers consistently select their interlocutors’ intended interpretation by relying on a single interpretative basis that balances their interest and mental effort.