Further Directions: Overcoming the Bias of Research Published in English

This chapter critically addresses the ongoing challenges in verbal irony research, emphasizing the need for expanded cross-cultural studies and greater attention to non-English literature. In particular, it focuses on the development and significance of an open, expanding database that brings together studies of irony and sarcasm from a wide range of languages other than English. The database, a pioneering effort to compile and synthesize research in 15 languages, represents a critical step toward incorporating results on irony in different linguistic and cultural contexts. The chapter also highlights the limitations of current research, which is predominantly focused on English-speaking populations, and the academic mainstream's bias toward English-language publications. It argues for the need to integrate findings from a wider range of linguistic backgrounds to achieve a more nuanced and globally representative understanding of verbal irony. Furthermore, the chapter advocates for a more inclusive academic environment that values the contributions of non-native English speakers and supports the use of international English in scholarly communication. This call to action seeks to redress the skewed distribution of knowledge and promote a more equitable recognition of scholarly work worldwide.