Laughter

Laughter is a physical movement involving characteristic breathing, a sound produced from the throat, and facial expressions. It typically arises in situations where people perceive or hear something amusing, but it can also occur in states of anxiety, nervousness, or pain.

Laughter is an action that cannot be fully controlled. It is a common act shared by all humans and appears in small children before they learn to speak. For this reason, researchers generally regard it as one of the basic signs of human communication.

Physical mechanics

When laughter occurs, the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest and abdomen) and the rib muscles contract rhythmically. Breathing in and out becomes rapid and shallow, with sound produced in the throat. This produces the repeated sound recognized as laughter. As laughter intensifies, tears may flow from the eyes, the face becomes flushed, and the body loses strength.

Social function

Laughter most often occurs in social situations. Studies measuring everyday conversation indicate that people are much more likely to laugh when in the company of others than when alone. In this way, laughter serves as a signal that people are in agreement or that a situation is safe and non-threatening.

Laughter can also be a social tool used to enforce conformity: a group may laugh at someone who violates their norms. Viewed in this way, laughter is not merely an expression of joy, but a means of establishing group boundaries.

Culture and linguistic practice

What people find amusing varies across cultures. Somali humor is often based on wordplay, proverbs, and narratives. Norms also differ: in some contexts, loud laughter is accepted, while in others such as religious or funeral occasions it is discouraged.