’n Perspektief op ironie in die hedendaagse Afrikaanse taalgebruik

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to investigate the nature of irony as used in contemporary Afrikaans language. A common feature of the irony that shows up consistently in contemporary Afrikaans, is some form of duality or contrast, such as between a reality and a perception. Special attention is given to the distinguishing features of verbal irony and the different semantic contrasts which could occur. Various signals indicating irony, and functions of irony in contemporary use are also examined.