A Study Of Parody From The Perspective Of Memetics

Parody is a kind of trope that is improvisational and created by imitating acurrent format. Any language form can be a parodic object. By imitating familiar word,sentence, or text to create new content with fresh vigor, parody always attractspeople’s attention easily. Thus, as a common rhetorical device, parody can wellenhance the expression and influence of language.As a new theory, Memetics interprets cultural evolution. A meme is a basic unitof cultural transmission, which can be inherited like genes and spread much like virus.The transmission feature of meme has a natural instinct association with thepropagation of language. As a kind of meme, language meme plays an important rolein the development of language. Parody, as a special language meme, also follows thesame laws of the language meme’s replication and transmission. Because of this, thethesis is based on Memetics. Through selecting some parody examples at home andabroad, it discusses the relationship between meme and parody, also the replicationand transmission of language meme in parody.The research indicates that Memetics has a strong explanation for parody fromthree aspects: the structural elements, generating process and transmission mechanism.Besides, there are two influencing factors in the process of parody meme creation, thatis, emotive and cultural factors. It also points out some questions unsolved，andexpects more can be involved in the future researches.Parody, as a rich vital and creative rhetoric, permeates into each aspect oflanguage with high frequency in our daily life. The thesis provides a new perspectivefor the study of parody and contributes to the understanding and appreciation ofparodic works, the acquiring and application of parody as a strategy or means. At thesame time, it broadens the research scope of Memetics.