Do all cultures have a sense of humour?

Answer 1

They must do! But it's so hard to translate jokes through languages and lifestyles that the funnyness is often lost in the process.

And some Germans are quite funny, actually. Most people who say they haven't got a sense of humour have just listened to their parents or grandparents about the war years. If they actually talked to some of them they'll find out.

And the English sense of humour can be very sarcastic and derogatory - or just plain weird. Lots of sitcoms like BlackAdder / Absolutely Fabulous rely on insults for the laughs.
And yes, I'm English so I think they're hilarious! XD

Answer 2

Yes, all cultures have a sense of humor. The real question that philosophers ask though is what kind of humor do cultures have and do all cultures have the same sense of humor.

Some debate whether all humor is exploitative by nature. Everyone agrees that most humor is derived from the misfortune of its subject, but is all humor derived from misfortune?

The general consensus is that humor derives from the absurd. We laugh at what does not make sense, and that explains why tragedy is so often amusing, or often the brunt of many jokes.

I recommend reading this article on humor theory:http://www.tomveatch.com/else/humor/paper/
it's a good background paper.

Answer 3

You will probably find that humour is in direct relation to the extents of vocabulary in a particular country. The English language is the most expressive, it has more words for things than any other which is why the English are the funniest.

Answer 4

Yes they do.

The need to laugh is one of the core psychological needs, some studies even suggest that it is up there with food, water and shelter. (I did my Masters thesis on humor usage in learning) All cultures have jokes and senses of humor.

However, it is important to note that not every culture finds the same things funny.

Answer 5

It depends. All people laugh and have humor. Just that some things that Americans find amusing the Asians will be totally offended, for example.

Everyone likes a Knock Knock joke though.

Answer 6

no, people who make the culture have a sense of humor

Answer 7

yes, all cultures have a sense of humor, but it depends on when and where it should be given and taken

Answer 8

humour is a natural attitude in all humans

Answer 9

i find the British sense of humor very strange, except for Mr bean!

Answer 10

Of course - it's a coping mechanism. Others think that others don't however, because they are different - they're culturally conditioned.