Humour of Bruca Braca Bruda Brada

Abstract

This article is about the Bosnian animated series Bruca Braca Bruda Brada which deals with contemporary social issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on Švrakino selo, a predominantly working-class neighbourhood on the outskirts of Sarajevo. The series’ creators are Helem Nejse, a Sarajevo-based hip-hop band. The humour stands out because of the linguistic subtlety through which contemporary society is portrayed, focusing especially on the Sarajevo area. Stylistically, the slang, the wordplay, the counter-images of real-life politicians, criminals and events are all part of a layered storyline, painting an image of a society trapped for over three decades in the limbo of expectations of a better life. The analytical framework consists of the following units, superficially functioning as general knowledge scripts: names, nationalism, (local) patriotism, know-it-all and corruption. However, these scripts, in the context of the analysed material, become restricted, making the humorous interpretation challenging not only to an international audience, but also to native speakers in some instances. Stylistic traits of the selected material are observed, together with additional linguistic devices that enhance humour. Culture-specific expressions and other important contextual segments are also explained where necessary.