To Be or Not To Be Humorous? Cross Cultural Perspectives on Humor

Frontiers in Psychology

Xiaodong Yue¹ 

关键词: Chinese;    humor perception;    humor evaluation;    cultural priming;    Western;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01495

学科分类：心理学（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Humor seems to manifest differently in Western and Eastern cultures, although little is known about how culture shapes humor perceptions. The authors suggest that Westerners regard humor as a common and positive disposition; the Chinese regard humor as a special disposition particular to humorists, with controversial aspects. In Study 1, Hong Kong participants primed with Western culture evaluate humor more positively than they do when primed with Chinese culture. In Study 2a, Canadians evaluate humor as being more important in comparison with Chinese participants. In Study 2b, Canadians expect ordinary people to possess humor, while Chinese expect specialized comedians to be humorous. The implications and limitations are discussed.

【 授权许可】

CC BY