Do people laugh the same everywhere?

You probably laugh quite often. When someone tells a joke, for example, when something funny happens, or when you’re posing for a photo. But have you ever wondered if people everywhere laugh the same way?

All over the world

'Laughter is universal,' says Roza Kamiloğlu. She is doing research into emotions at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. 'No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, people everywhere laugh when something’s funny or when they’re having fun together.'

Laughing isn’t just in your head – it’s a full-body event. Your belly muscles tighten, your voice box (larynx) makes sound and your mouth turns up into a smile. This natural reaction has been with us since early human history, and it’s the same all over the world.

Small differences

But that doesn’t mean we all laugh exactlythe same. Some people laugh faster than others. In some cultures, loud laughter isn’t seen as polite, but in others, it’s absolutely fine.

'So, laughter is something we all share,' says Kamiloğlu. 'Our bodies laugh the same way, no matter where we’re from. But there are small differences in how people laugh around the world.'

Answered by Rik Peters