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{{Distinguish|formal fallacy}}
{{Distinguish|formal fallacy}}


A '''non sequitur''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|n|ɒ|n|_|ˈ|s|ɛ|k|w|ᵻ|t|ər}} {{respell|non|_|SEK|wit|ər}}, {{IPA-la|noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr|classical}}; "it does not follow") is a conversational [[List of narrative techniques|literary device]], often used for comedic purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it,<ref>''The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English''. Oxford University Press, 2009.</ref> seems [[Absurdity|absurd]] to the point of being humorous or confusing.
A '''non sequitur''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|n|ɒ|n|_|ˈ|s|ɛ|k|w|ᵻ|t|ər}} {{respell|non|_|SEK|wit|ər}}, {{IPA-la|noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr|classical}}; "it does not follow") is a conversational [[List of narrative techniques|literary device]], often used for comedic purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it,<ref>''The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English''. Oxford University Press, 2009.</ref> seems [[Absurdity|absurd]] to the point of being humorous or confusing. This use of the term is distinct from the [[Formal fallacy|non sequitur]] in logic, where it is a [[fallacy]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-01-02|title=Non Sequitur - Examples and Definition of Non Sequitur|url=https://literarydevices.net/non-sequitur/|access-date=2021-08-31|website=Literary Devices|language=en-US}}</ref>

This use of the term is distinct from the [[Formal fallacy|non sequitur]] in logic, where it is a [[fallacy]].


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The expression is [[Latin]] for "it does not follow."<ref>Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218101007/http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur |date=2012-02-18 }}</ref> It comes from the words ''non'' meaning "not" and ''sequi'' meaning "to follow".
The expression is [[Latin]] for "it does not follow."<ref>Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218101007/http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur |date=2012-02-18 }}</ref> It comes from the words ''non'' meaning "not" and ''sequi'' meaning "to follow".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definition of NON SEQUITUR|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/non+sequitur|access-date=2021-08-31|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en}}</ref>


==Usage==
==Usage==
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* [[Surreal humour]]
* [[Surreal humour]]


==References==
== More readings ==

* The Koan: Texts and Contexts in Zen Buddhism. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2000.
* Shabo, Magedah. Rhetoric, Logic, and Argumentation: A Guide for Student Writers. United States, Prestwick House, 2010.
* Keywords for Disability Studies. United Kingdom, NYU Press, 2015.

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


Revision as of 01:37, 31 August 2021

Not to be confused with formal fallacy.

A non sequitur (English: /nɒn ˈsɛkwɪtər/ non SEK-wit-ər, Latin pronunciation: [noːn ˈsɛkᶣɪtʊr]; "it does not follow") is a conversational literary device, often used for comedic purposes. It is something said that, because of its apparent lack of meaning relative to what preceded it,[1] seems absurd to the point of being humorous or confusing. This use of the term is distinct from the non sequitur in logic, where it is a fallacy.[2]

Etymology

The expression is Latin for "it does not follow."[3] It comes from the words non meaning "not" and sequi meaning "to follow".[4]

Usage

A non sequitur can denote an abrupt, illogical, or unexpected turn in plot or dialogue by including a relatively inappropriate change in manner. A non sequitur joke sincerely has no explanation, but it reflects the idiosyncrasies, mental frames and alternative world of the particular comic persona.[5]

Comic artist Gary Larson's The Far Side cartoons are known for what Larson calls "...absurd, almost non sequitur animal" characters, such as talking cows, which he uses to create a "...weird, zany, ...bizarre, odd, strange" effect; in one strip, "two cows in a field gaz[e] toward [a] burning Chicago, saying 'It seems that agent 6363 had accomplished her mission.'"[6]

See also

More readings

  • The Koan: Texts and Contexts in Zen Buddhism. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2000.
  • Shabo, Magedah. Rhetoric, Logic, and Argumentation: A Guide for Student Writers. United States, Prestwick House, 2010.
  • Keywords for Disability Studies. United Kingdom, NYU Press, 2015.

References

  1. ^ The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. Oxford University Press, 2009.
  2. ^ "Non Sequitur - Examples and Definition of Non Sequitur". Literary Devices. 2014-01-02. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  3. ^ Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary. http://mw1.m-w.com/dictionary/non%20sequitur Archived 2012-02-18 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ "Definition of NON SEQUITUR". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2021-08-31.
  5. ^ Chambers, Robert (2010). Parody: The Art that Plays with Art. Peter Lang Publishers. p. 75. ISBN 978-1433108693. Retrieved 2014-09-17. Along with a rhythmic pattern, these jokes, however absurd they may be, build dual frames of reference, if not alternative worlds entirely reflecting the idiosyncrasies of the individual stand-up artist.
  6. ^ Harrington, Richard (16 June 1983). "The Bizarre Side". Washington Post. Retrieved 12 August 2020.
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