The Semiotics of Iranian Stand-up Comedy: A Theoretical Framework Based on Roland Barthes' Codes

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Linguistics, NT. C. Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Linguistics, CT. C. Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Department of Linguistics, ST. C. Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.30473/il.2025.74617.1690

Abstract

This study explores the semiotics of Iranian stand-up comedy between 2011 and 2021, using Roland Barthes' five codes as a framework for analysis. The research addresses two main questions: How can stand-up comedy be examined through these five codes, and which of these codes are most prominent in the signifying language of Iranian stand-up? What themes and messages are conveyed through this language? To answer these, 19 lexias were selected from five stand-up performances—four broadcast on national television and one from online media. The analysis revealed 27 cultural codes, 16 semantic codes, and 14 symbolic codes. Cultural codes most frequently referenced political and economic issues, while symbolic codes often highlighted tensions between the public's views and those of the authorities. These findings suggest that Iranian stand-up comedians, as voices of society, use humor to call for reconsideration of political and economic strategies. The study not only provides insight into the themes of Iranian comedy but also offers practical value. For policymakers, it presents a reflection of public sentiment, while for comedy writers, it highlights how semiotic tools can be used to enhance meaning and engagement in comedic content.

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Journal of Sociolinguistics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 September 2025

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