ABSTRACT
The chapter explores the solidarizing potential of humorous language behaviour in multi-ethnic Russian-speaking network communities in Lithuania. Observations of the communicative behaviour within these communities demonstrate rejection of harsh forms of the comic (irony, satire) and avoidance of potentially conflicting topics. Humour is used as “social glue” and contributes to the creation of symbolic solidarity among group members through comic interpretation of common social issues going beyond national, social, or other identification. The authors’ pragma-stylistic analysis reveals the prevalence of jokes prompting conflict-free laughter. Comic content sanctioned by the group undergoes three stages of censorship: (1) self-censorship of the author of the publication, (2) censorship of the moderator, and (3) collective censorship of group members who either react or do not respond to the content. This multistage collective sanctioning of comic content is indicative of specific ethical norms adopted within the intra-group social culture.
